Leeds lose out in race for Croatian star Rapaic

Leeds are set to lose out to Parma in the race to sign Croatia midfielder Milan Rapaic.

Rapaic produced a man-of-the-match performance in the 2-1 victory over Italy in the World Cup.

But the Croatians failed in their bid to reach the last 16 following defeat to Ecuador.

With manager David O'Leary almost certain to lose Lee Bowyer after he turned down the club's offer of a five-year contract last month, Rapaic was seen as the perfect replacement.

The 28-year-old is similar to Bowyer in terms of his workrate, energy and ability to embark on surging runs into an opponent's penalty area.

Leeds, however, were not willing to pay the £6.5m (€10m) asking price demanded by Fenerbahce, allowing Parma to win the day with a player-swap deal.

Matias Almeyda is to move in the opposite direction in a transfer which will see him link up with fellow Argentina international Ariel Ortega, who completed his switch from River Plate just before the start of the World Cup.

Rapaic, with 26 caps, returns to Italy after leaving in 2000 following four seasons with Perugia.

Rapaic helped Fenerbahce win the Turkish league title in 2001, and was part of the side which knocked Rangers out of the Champions League last August.