Bielsa 'insistent' about signing in-demand ace, has 'serious plans' for him at Leeds – report

Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti has said that the transfer saga between Leeds United and Dinamo Zagreb centre-back Josko Gvardiol is turning into one of the most "unusual" this summer. 

The report claims that the offers made by Leeds have accelerated quickly – the latest being for £19.9m plus a 20% sell-on clause.

They add that it seemed like the "perfect" transfer for Zagreb who had agreed the fee with Leeds. However, it's dragging on because Gvardiol isn't convinced about a move to Leeds.

That apparently hasn't put Bielsa off. The report claims that he is "insistent" that Leeds sign the youngster and that he sees him as part of his "serious plans immediately".

RB Leipzig have made a much lower offer but Gvardiol is said to prefer a move there. Zagreb want to sell him to Leeds for the much bigger amount of money.

There's something about Gvardiol

There's something very odd about this transfer.

If the report is accurate then Bielsa must be absolutely convinced that Gvardiol, 18, is set to be a superstar.

That would explain why they're bidding so much for the youngster, more than RB Leipzig, who inhabit the top of the Bundesliga.

If a player isn't keen on a move to Leeds, we would normally move on, but it seems that Bielsa is still hopeful the centre-back will change his mind.

From the report in Sportske Novosti it sounds like the promise of being involved straight away in the Premier League – something that would be music to the ears of most – is actually putting the youngster off.

He knows it's a big jump up and he thinks it might be coming at the wrong time in his career.

We think it's time for Bielsa to get on the phone and give him some personal attention.

That's worked with transfers in the past and when the Liverpool game is out of the way then it could be time for the charm offensive to start.

Gvardiol surely only has to look at what Bielsa did with Ben White last season to know that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In other Leeds United news, 'Not part of our plans' – Big Leeds transfer boost as club rules out move for Rodrigo De Paul