Leeds prepare transfer for ‘new Lionel Messi’ who Man Utd chief Ed Woodward has contacted
Leeds are planning an approach for Velez Sarsfield star Thiago Almada, reports claim. The talented teenager is being tracked by several European giants including Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Marcelo Bielsa led the Yorkshire side to promotion to the top flight in his second season in charge after finishing third in the Championship in 2018-19.
And having spent 16 years away from the Premier League, the Argentine tactician is eager to bolster his options in the upcoming window.
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has made no secret of his desire to dip into the transfer market.
And recently revealed the club could soon break their club-transfer record, which currently stands at £16million, spent on Helder Costa.
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“I mean I can tell you where I am now,” Radrizzani said. “I’m in a place in Europe approaching a meeting for a player for next season. I’m enjoying, but I’m also enjoying working for the future.
“Which is our transfer record? Helder Costa? Yes, I think we could break it soon. I have a clear vision. I need to first secure the team in the Premier League for the next three years, to stay there.
“If we stay there for three years at least then I think we can have a very bright future and stay just behind the top six. That’s my goal.”
One target on the shortlist is Velez Sarsfield’s versatile attacking midfielder Thiago Almada, according to Transfermarkt.
Almada, who can also operate on either flank or as a centre-forward, is considered the most valuable player in the Argentine Superliga at £16.2m.
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The 19-year-old enjoyed an impressive season for the Argentine club, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 25 appearances before the coronavirus-enforced cancellation of the domestic campaign.
Almada’s displays have earned him comparisons to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi and Manchester City midfield maestro David Silva.
13-time Premier League champions Manchester United are claimed to have already opened talks with Velez Sarsfield and the player’s representatives in May.
But executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has NOT made an official offer.
The newly-promoted side are wasting little time registering their interest and are understood to have an ‘offer in the making’ for the Argentina Under-20 international.
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