OPINION
Leeds United look as though they could miss out on one of their summer transfer targets with Championship rivals Nottingham Forest reportedly close to signing Benfica attacker Diogo Goncalves.
Portuguese newspaper Record reported in March that Leeds are in the hunt to sign Goncalves, 21, after seeing Wolves miss out on his signature.
Goncalves, a client of agent Jorge Mendes, was eyed up by the Whites in the aftermath of Andrea Radrizzani’s complaints about Wolves’ relationship with Mendes and how it has not been fair on the rest of the clubs in the Championship.
And now it seems as though Nottingham Forest may be striking up a similar relationship with the super-agent as Portuguese news outlet A Bola has reported that two of his clients could be on their way to the City Ground this summer.
Joao Carvalho is said to be moving to Forest this summer in a deal worth £13million, while Leeds target Goncalves is expected to follow in a loan deal.
It is understood that Goncalves has a stunning release clause worth £39.5million because Benfica rate him so highly, but now it seems that Leeds are close to missing out on him unless director of football Victor Orta moves as soon as possible to get his signature.
Goncalves can play on both wings and has bags of pace.
The addition of the Portugal Under-21 international is something that is seriously needed right now at Leeds with a real lack of quality in the wide positions.
Adding a player like the 21-year-old to the Elland Road squad could be a masterstroke if Orta can pull it off.
It would be a real blow if the dazzling attacker was to end up at one of their Championship rivals.