The Whites have long been linked with the Udinese playmaker ever since director of football Victor Orta confirmed his interest to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
He said: “[De Paul] was one player we analysed but, in the end, the valuation of his club was at a level that was difficult for Leeds to reach, as a newly promoted club – not just for Leeds but a lot of clubs.
"In the end, nobody took him, because of the evaluation of his club, which is fair.”
But since then, a number of clubs are said to have joined the 26-year-old’s list of admirers, including Liverpool, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain.
Udinese director Pierpaolo Marino warned that De Paul wouldn’t be sold on the cheap. Now, his manager, Luca Gotti has also weighed in.
"You couldn’t blame him for being tempted (to leave),” he told DAZN via Football Italia.
"Alongside the growth of the player, which everyone has been able to witness on the pitch, I also saw De Paul grow as a person over the last two years.
"He has this leadership within the squad that comes from a place of positivity.
"There are different ways to be a leader, some are authoritarian, but he has this sort of halo of positivity that spreads out and envelops everyone around him."
The general message from the Serie A club seems to be that he is available this summer, but only at the right price.
Meanwhile, there is plenty of gossip surrounding Leeds – including more on those links to Massimiliano Allegri:

1. Gibbs verbally agree Inter Miami move
West Bromwich Albion left-back Kieran Gibbs has verbally agreed to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami on a two-and-a-half-year deal when his contract expires at the end of the season. (ESPN) Photo: MICHAEL REGAN

2. Spurs & Chelsea offered Dybala
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign £40m-rated Juventus playmaker Paulo Dybala, though neither club are planning to submit a bid. (Daily Star) Photo: Marco Luzzani

3. Aguero wants Man City stay
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is keen to stay at the Etihad Stadium but is yet to hear anything regarding a new contract. The 32-year-old is open to joining another club in England. (The Sun) Photo: CLIVE BRUNSKILL

4. Brighton express interest in Mingueza
Brighton and Hove Albion have expressed an interest in Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza as the La Liga giants prepare to exercise an option to extend his contract until 2023. (Mundo Deportivo) Photo: LLUIS GENE

5. Evans signs new Cardiff deal
Cardiff City attacking midfielder Kieron Evans has signed a new two-year deal with the Championship club amid reports that Sheffield United, Newcastle and Burnley were monitoring his development. (WalesOnline) Photo: Stu Forster

6. Sanderson told to join Sunderland
Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has urged Dion Sanderson to turn down a move to Sheffield United in favour of joining his former club permanently. The 21-year-old could leave Wolves for just £2m this summer. (Football Insider) Photo: Pete Norton


