Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is plotting a raid on Tottenham for striker Fernando Llorente as the Lilywhites look to cash in on his sale in January, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claim on their website that the Spaniard has emerged as as shock target for the Elland Road outfit with a £4million price tag slapped on his head, Mauricio Pochettino’s side looking to pick up a transfer fee rather than lost him for nothing in the summer at the end of his contract.
It is stated that the 6’4″ (source: Transfermarkt) colossus is desperate to seal a move away from north London due to his lack of playing time and that Bielsa wants to reunite with his former player from Athletic Bilbao.
Good move for Leeds?
Unbelievably so. There is no one at Ellad Road who would have expected the club to be able to sign Llorente before the summer but that is the impact of Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds really need a striker with some physical presence and the Spanish hitman offers just that, bringing a wealth of experience from England’s top flight.
He would bully Championship defenders for fun and be a real focal point for the Whites, and considering his calibre could prove to be one of the bargains of the season at £4million.
This ticks so many boxes for Leeds.
This is Futbol rating: 10/10
Likely to happen?
Again, no one could have thought Leeds would be in the running for a Premier League top four side striker this time last year, but Bielsa’s connections could make this shock move a reality.
Yes, there are plenty of factors which could see this remain as a pipe dream, but it would be the sort of statement signing which puts Leeds front and centre of the Championship map.
Only time will tell if it comes off, but do not think that just because he is a big name Leeds cannot seal a deal.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10