Leeds United have lodged a bid to sign Lyon loanee Tete, 90min understands, but Leicester remain confident they can win the race for his signature.
90min revealed in December that Tete, who is currently on loan with Lyon from Shakhtar Donetsk, was expected to leave France in the January transfer window, with Leicester among the sides to have held talks recently.
Lyon are prepared to cut ties with Tete early, with manager Laurent Blanc keen to move the team in a different direction away from a winger who sits second on both the club's scoring and assist charts this season.
Leicester remain confident they will secure Tete's signature, having held talks with both Lyon and Shakhtar recently, but Leeds have lodged a late bid to try and wrestle the 22-year-old over to Elland Road instead.
Leeds are looking to take Tete on an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent signing at the end of the current campaign.
Sources close to Leicester have informed 90min the Foxes are still positive about their chances of landing Tete, however, and they plan to push ahead regardless of this late show of interest from Leeds.
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Leeds are keen to back manager Jesse Marsch this month and are also pursuing a deal to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. The American was another loan target but talks have now turned to a permanent deal which could cost Leeds up to €30m.
Elland Road officials have also knocked back an enquiry from Leicester over Jack Harrison, who Leeds are confident will sign a new contract to extend his stay at the club.
Source : 90min