Former Leeds United midfielder David Norris has urged Marcelo Bielsa to boost his transfer budget by selling Helder Costa.
Costa, who made his initial loan move from Wolverhampton Wanderers permanent for a £16million fee in 2020, failed to nail down a place in Bielsa’s preferred starting line-up in Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old only made 23 first-team appearances last term, with just 14 being starts.
Should Leeds United sell Helder Costa?
Yes
No
Costa is Leeds’ fourth highest earner at the club, on wages of £32,500-per-week, and has three years remaining on his contract.
As a result, Leeds would be in a good negotiating position should any potential suitors come in for the former Benfica trainee.
Ex-Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has called for Costa to be sold after a disappointing spell with the Yorkshire club.
Norris, who enjoyed a three-year spell with Leeds during his playing career, feels showing Costa the exit door would make sense for all parties.
Speaking exclusively to TIF, Norris said: “I think if they can get £9million back on him, it’s the right time.
“It hasn’t worked out for him. Sometimes I don’t think his body language has helped and I’m not sure he works hard enough. I don’t know if he fully suits the way they play.
“If they can get a good few million for him, I think the time is right for him to go.”