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Leeds open talks to sign Farid Boulaya this summer - reports
Leeds United have opened talks to sign FC Metz attacking midfielder Farid Boulaya, according to French journalist Mohamed Toubache.
The Whites will be looking to replace Pablo Hernandez this summer as they’re short on midfield attacking options.
According to Toubache, as transcribed by Get Football News France, they have now entered talks to sign the midfielder who is available for only £3.9million.
Via his personal Twitter account, the French journalist also reported that two ‘very strong clubs’ in Italy and Spain have also expressed their interest in the player who scored six goals and registered eight assists in Ligue 1 last season.
Toubache may not be a household name in English football, but he is known to have quality sources in France and is also followed by Fabrizio Romano.
He works for ComPol media, which is a French political newspaper that also covers sport.
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Seems interesting
While the Ligue 1 may not be as competitive as the Premier League, Metz are in no way the cream of the crop in France, and getting these kinds of numbers for them should be considered an achievement for the Algeria international.
They finished only seven points clear of the relegation zone – which tells you that it was anything but smooth sailing for them in the 2020/21 campaign.
The 28-year-old could be a perfect fit for Marcelo Bielsa as he’s primarily known for his influence off the ball.
Playing in an advanced position, he is often the first one leading the press for his side and could fit perfectly into the Argentine’s midfield at Elland Road.
This January, he even won Ligue 1 Uber Eats Player of the Month which is a huge honour given the talents Paris St. Germain possess among their ranks.
He’s not only impressed the Metz fans, but also their manager Frederic Antonetti.
Per Ligue 1’s official website, he said about the 28-year-old in March,”He’s having an excellent season.
“He’s a decisive player, and his technique, creativity and his runs are really helping us.
“He still has things to learn, but he’s having a very, very strong campaign.”
At 28, he’s already a proven player in one of Europe’s top five leagues, and given his relatively low valuation, we think it’s a gamble that Victor Orta must take this summer.
In other Leeds United news, MOT View: Orta could make rare blunder with Leeds defender reportedly headed for loan exit