Leeds United turned away multiple inquiries for Noah Okafor before the transfer window slammed shut, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Yorkshire club had a substantial £35million bid for the Swiss international sitting on their table as deadline day approached, yet the club opted to retain their man rather than cash in on their asset.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Okafor himself expressed a desire to remain at Elland Road following his debut campaign with the club.
The player apparently communicated his preference to stay put rather than pursue alternative opportunities that may have emerged.
The forward has been integrated into Daniel Farke’s plans as a crucial component moving forward.
Rather than cashing in on their versatile attacker, Leeds instead bolstered their attacking options by bringing in Jean-Mattéo Bahoya from Eintracht Frankfurt on a loan arrangement that includes an option to purchase.
Bahoya’s arrival provides direct competition for Okafor’s position in the squad.
However, the Swiss international has featured predominantly in a central attacking position during the early stages of the current campaign, having started two of the opening three league matches there.
Last season, he primarily operated from a wider berth where he caught the eye with several eye-catching performances.
Since arriving from AC Milan during the previous summer transfer window, Okafor has accumulated 36 appearances across all competitions under Farke’s management.
During that spell, he contributed eight goals and a further three assists despite battling through a couple of injury setbacks throughout the campaign.
The 26-year-old remains tied to the club for a further three years on his existing contract, meaning any future interested parties would need to meet Leeds’ valuation if they wish to pursue their interest in the coming transfer windows.