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MOT View: Jet-heeled player compared to Dani Alves may be clever Leeds signing for PL
If Leeds United win promotion to the Premier League this season then Brazilian wonderkid Yan Couto is someone who Marcelo Bielsa might be able to sign in the summer.
Couto, 17, is rated as one of the top young players in Brazilian football with the right-back being a part of the side that lifted the Under-17 World Cup last year.
According to the Guardian, Couto is a rising star in world football who is known for his rapid pace and similarities to Barcelona legend Dani Alves and ex-Bayern Munich full-back Rafinha.
The pint-sized right-back, who stands at just 5ft 6in [LeedsLive], is not said to be the strongest of players but his blistering pace makes him a major threat when bombing down the right-flank.
Based on how highly rated Couto is in Brazil, it is no surprise that Manchester City are set to sign him from Cortiba in the coming months.
Earlier this month, it was agreed that City would sign Couto from the Brazilian Serie A side in the summer transfer window.
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Interestingly for Leeds United fans, the Whites also wanted to sign the Brazil Under-17 international before that Man City deal was agreed.
And, even more interestingly, he could still head to Elland Road in the summer.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has reported that City would like to send the £13.6million wonderkid on loan to Leeds – if they win promotion from the Championship.
It is understood they feel his development would be better suited at Elland Road in Bielsa’s first-team, rather than possibly playing for Man City’s Under-23s or Under-19s.
Leeds are not thought to be that keen on the arrangement, even though they previously wanted Couto. But, why not?
Luke Ayling has been amazing at right-back this season and is bound to keep that starting spot in the Premier League if Leeds are promoted.
But, why not have a young, jet-heeled understudy who can come off the bench, make an impact in matches or cover for Ayling when he’s playing at centre-back or unavailable to play?
Couto could be a very clever addition for Leeds in the summer and if Man City want the loan deal to take place, the Whites could negotiate to have some very favourable terms.
Who knows? Maybe if Couto heads to West Yorkshire on loan and impresses there, he may well end up getting the permanent move that the Whites wanted all along.
In other Leeds United news, there’s been a response to a Leeds fan’s conspiracy theory.