Leeds United have again been linked with a move for Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, with Marcelo Bielsa reportedly happy to pay his release clause.
The Lowdown: Leeds move mooted
The Whites secured a highly impressive ninth-place finish in the Premier League last season, with the aim now to replicate that in 2021/22, at worst.
For Leeds to go up another gear, top-class new signings may be needed and Nandez is a player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road in the past.
The Uruguayan started 31 of Cagliari’s 38 Serie A matches last season, registering two goals and assists apiece, and has won 36 caps for his country.
The Latest: Fresh update arrives
According to La Nuova Sardegna [via Sport Witness], Leeds ‘insist’ on signing Nandez, with Bielsa prepared for ‘economic madness’.
The Whites manager is willing to pay the €36million (£30.9m) to prise the 25-year-old away from Cagliari, although it is stated that they may try and buy him for less than that.
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The Verdict: Stellar midfield addition
There are arguably times when Leeds have been too reliant on the performances of Kalvin Phillips, so a top-quality midfield addition makes perfect sense.
At 25, Nandez still has years ahead of him in the game, but is also an experienced figures, as highlighted by his international exploits.
He averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.5 clearances per game in the league last season, showing his tenacious side, but also played an average of one key pass per match, displaying a well rounded skill-set on both sides of the ball.
The midfielder has been talked up as a ‘great player’ by his agent, Pablo Bentancur, and like Phillips, he looks to be adept both in and out of possession, which is exactly what Bielsa wants in his players.
In other news, a pundit has given some key insight regarding one Leeds United player. Find out who it is here.