The development comes as a bitter blow to Leeds, who have been aggressive in their pursuit of Strand Larsen throughout the window. The Elland Road club saw multiple offers – peaking at £40m – rejected by Wolves. It is reported that the player himself was open to the switch, with his agent, a boyhood Leeds supporter, keen to facilitate a move to Yorkshire.
However, Leeds have drawn a line in the sand regarding the valuation. They do not intend to increase their bid beyond the £40m mark at present, effectively ruling themselves out of the race as Palace stepped up with a superior financial package.
This hesitation from the Whites has allowed Crystal Palace to manoeuvre into pole position. With the financial muscle to meet Wolves’ demands, the Eagles have seemingly hijacked a move that Leeds fans had hoped would reignite their own season, leaving the path clear for Oliver Glasner’s side to finalise the transfer.
Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!