Then he put away his smile, cleared his throat, and said, "In fact, I have been a passionate football fan since I was a child, and from the moment my father became a shareholder of Leeds United, I also became the most loyal fan of Leeds United! After my father passed away, I swore at his funeral that I would fulfill his last wish and lead Leeds United back to the top of the Premier League."

At this point, a trace of sadness appeared on Li Shiguang's face. Perhaps the reporters around him were also affected by his emotions, and the once noisy scene suddenly fell silent.

The emotions have been effectively built up.

Li Shiguang added, "Actually, I've been following Timothy since before he joined Manchester United. I know he's an excellent goalkeeper; he just needs time to adapt to the English football environment. I even think that his current ability doesn't quite match his price tag, and the upcoming matches will prove everything!"

Bates, who had already walked behind the reporter, also heard what Li Shiguang said.

Another wave of frustration washed over me.

Damn, this kid is really lucky!

Li Shiguang briefly answered a few more questions, then urged the reporters to interview the Leeds United players, as they were the main characters and he couldn't let them steal the spotlight.

Because he had already seen Bates walking over with a fake smile on his face.

"Congratulations, Lee, Leeds United has had a good start." Bates extended his right hand and greeted Lee Shiguang.

Li Shiguang shook hands with him and said with a smile, "Welcome, Mr. Bates. Did you come here specifically to watch the game today?"

Bates nodded and said, "Of course, I'm a die-hard Leeds United fan, and I even almost became the owner of Leeds United. Oh, you don't know this, do you? I once proposed to your father that we buy Leeds United, but unfortunately, the deal was never even started before your father passed away."

Li Shiguang sneered inwardly, but didn't reply, wanting to see what he was really up to today.

Seeing that Li Shiguang didn't respond to him, Bates' father continued angrily, "I also heard the interview just now. As your elder, I must remind you that Howard's characteristic is inconsistency. If he makes any outrageous mistakes in the later games, what you just said to the reporters will become a laughing stock."

Upon hearing Bates's words, Li Shiguang instantly understood.

Wow, so that's what they were waiting for me. So they wanted to haggle over the price.

Li Shiguang replied with a sense of grievance, "As you know, Leeds United's finances are very tight right now, and Timothy is the best performing player. I have to create some hype for him so that we can sell him for a good price after the season ends."

Upon hearing Li Shiguang's words, Bates couldn't help but inwardly laugh at his foolishness.

He really is a football idiot, yet he dares to boast to reporters that he has been a die-hard fan since childhood.

With your current Leeds United team, if you sell Howard, can you still get back to the Premier League?

Thinking of this, Bates took a step forward and said softly, "In that case, you brought Howard in for 3 million euros, right? I'll offer 8 million euros and let me bring him back to the Premier League in the winter transfer window."

Seeing Bates say this, Li Shiguang could finally be sure that the old man had completely taken the bait, but was it possible to take Howard away for only 8 million?

He struggled to reply to Bates: "That won't do. Timothy is in great form right now, and I think he'll continue to perform well. Besides, his release clause is 15 million euros. Your offer is too low!"

Bates had planned to talk to Howard's agent about his contract with Leeds United after he got back today. If the release clause wasn't too high, he was prepared to trigger it and buy Howard outright.

Before he could even ask, he learned about Howard's release clause from Li Shiguang, and upon hearing the amount of 15 million euros, he cursed inwardly, "Are you crazy? Howard was gradually sidelined by Ferguson because of his inconsistent form, and you actually set his release clause at 15 million euros? If his form returns to what it was like at Manchester United, even if you put him on the transfer list, no one will buy him!"

Then he looked up at Li Shiguang coldly and said, "This price is too high! But I am interested in Timothy. If you accept my offer, you can contact me at any time."

Then he turned and walked towards the outside of the stadium.

Watching Bates's retreating figure, the struggling expression on Li Shiguang's face was replaced by a sly smile.

Trying to rob him on the way? Is that even possible? You think you can take Howard away with just 8 million?

If you wait another two months, you won't be able to take him away even for 10 million. If you want to buy him then, you'd better prepare your wallet.