Football

Italian reports link Leeds to fringe duo Marcelo Bielsa ‘appreciates’

Reports in the Italian media suggest Leeds may move for a pair of peripheral Fiorentina players in the January transfer window.

The Elland Road club added a number of new faces ahead of their return to the Premier League. But midfielder Erick Pulgar and striker Christian Kouame have now been linked.

Leeds’ interest in Pulgar is nothing new, with the Yorkshire club said to have offered €15m back in September. The Chile international enjoyed an excellent 2019-2020, with seven goals from 37 Serie A appearances.

He has not found the net this term, however, having made just four starts in the league. A lack of action could be behind the speculation.

La Nazione reported on Tuesday that Leeds have ‘come forward’ for the duo. Corriere Fiorentino back that up, noting the Peacocks’ interest in the South American during the summer.

They add that ‘the team coached by Bielsa could be on of Fiorentina’s winter interlocutors as the Argentine coach continues to appreciate both’.

While Pulgar has struggled for game time, Ivorian Kouame has enjoyed 13 league outings – although only five starts. The 23-year-old has a solitary goal to his name this term and both seem down the pecking order.

It remains to be seen if La Viola boss Cesare Prandelli sanctions their move away. It will all come down to money and if Leeds are prepared to pay what the Italians demand.

 

Duo not a priority for Leeds

The reports suggests Leeds are thinking of making a move for the pair in January. However, it is open to debate if they need both, or indeed either. Goals have not been hard to come by for the promoted outfit, with 25 in 15 games to date.

The South American coach continues to push attacking football but it is at the back that they struggle. Leeds have conceded 30 goals to date, with West Brom matching that number.

The boss has the philosophy that his team will score one more than the opposition and it has paid off. The sit 12th in the table and have already garnered 20 points in the quest for top-flight survival.

Erick Pulgar, Christian Kouame TEAMtalk

Adding fringe players from a side just four points above the Serie A drop zone might upset the applecart.

The Yorkshire club’s next task is to take on West Brom at the Hawthorns on Tuesday night. It is unlikely that the Baggies will be so open with Sam Allardyce now at the helm.

 

READ MORE: Leeds keen on West Brom man

The post Italian reports link Leeds to fringe duo Marcelo Bielsa ‘appreciates’ appeared first on teamtalk.com.

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