Leeds United were interested in signing Brazilian right-back Yan Couto before Manchester City ‘steamed in’ and struck a deal with Coritiba for the 17-year-old, according to Phil Hay of The Athletic.
He went on to say that it’s been suggested to him that the current Premier League champions would be keen on him joining the Whites on loan should they earn promotion to the top flight to enhance his development. However, it doesn’t seem as though Leeds are actively pursuing the idea at present.
Here’s exactly what he had to say:
“I was told last week that Leeds took an interest in Brazilian right-back Yan Couto before the great and the good steamed in earlier this year and Manchester City signed the 17-year-old for €15 million (£13.6 million). It’s been suggested to me that City are keen for Bielsa to take him on loan if promotion is secured, to help with Couto’s development, but it doesn’t sound like Leeds are actively pursuing the idea at present. That’s one to watch.”
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It’s worth noting there are conflicting reports regarding the fee agreed between Manchester City and Coritiba, with Phil Hay reporting the amount as £13.6m, which differs to Transfermarkt.co.uk, which says the deal is worth £5.4m.
TIF Tactics – The next Dani Alves?
The Brazil Under-17 international is currently valued at £3.6m, but is thought to have been likened to Dani Alves. Couto will move to the United Kingdom to join up with his new teammates in the summer but should Marcelo Bielsa be considering taking the player on loan given it seems City would be more than happy for him to join the 64-year-old at Elland Road?
The club’s current options at right-back are Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas. Ayling has been Leeds United’s most consistent player this season, with an average performance rating of 7.31/10 according to WhoScored.com, but with Dallas having appeared at left-back on 12 occasions in the Championship this season, in our opinion, there is arguably a need for another right-back to come in. In which case, Couto could be the perfect solution.