Leeds United have been linked to many a Serie A midfielder during this transfer window but it appears there is only one name that the club are now focusing on…
What’s the word?
According to La Nazione (via Sport Witness), the Yorkshire giants are monitoring Fiorentina powerhouse Erick Pulgar, who they have already submitted a bid for once this window.
It’s claimed that Leeds offered €12m (£11m) for his services, which was rejected with the Serie A outfit looking at around €15m (£13.5m) to sell.
Pulgar is supposed to be an “unsellable” player in Florence yet evidently the right finances would change things considerably.
De Paul alternative?
At one stage this window, Marcelo Bielsa seemed set on nabbing Udinese’s Rodrigo De Paul but disagreements over the fee there have stopped that deal from happening.
Instead, a move for Pulgar would make more sense especially as he’s available for half the price.
The 26-year-old provided seven goals and six assists, averaging 2.2 key passes, two tackles and 0.9 shots per game, via WhoScored, which suggests he’s an ideal box-to-box type who can fit right in under Bielsa’s system.
This is reinforced by the fact that throughout his career, the Chilean has drawn comparisons to his fellow countryman Arturo Vidal whilst Wyscout describe him like this: “The main stand-out feature of Pulgar’s style is the effectiveness of his long passes. He has an excellent perception to anticipate moves in defensive transitions, which is another point where he stood out in this Copa America.”
The 24-time international also created more chances (81) last season than former Whites target Emi Buendia (80) as well as James Maddison (78), Joao Moutinho (76) and Joshua Kimmich (75).
Very impressive indeed.
For just £13.5m, Victor Orta could land an absolute bargain at Elland Road.
AND in other news, Leeds could land No.1 target before the transfer deadline but only on one condition