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Report: Leeds plot swoop for 'secret weapon' – 21y/o midfielder could be available for £8.75m
Midfielder Tommaso Pobega has been turning heads on loan at Spezia and Leeds United are interested, according to Tuttosport.
The 21-year-old, who has come up through the ranks at AC Milan, was allowed out on loan last summer after Sandro Tonali was brought in.
Spezia reportedly have an option but AC Milan also have a buy-back clause and have the youngster on contract until 2025.
Tuttosport (via Calciomercato) have reported that Leeds want to make a play for the midfielder who would fetch between £8.75m and £10.5m.
Pobega can play in midfield or holding midfield and has been described as a “secret weapon” for Spezia by World Football Index.
Fits the bill
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Leeds have made it a summer priority to sign cover for Kalvin Phillips in that crucial holding midfield role.
The tough thing for Leeds is that it’s a hard sell to say to a player that he’s being signed as cover.
However, Pobega would seem to fit the bill. He’s young enough to appreciate that he might not be a regular starter in the Premier League.
But he’s also versatile enough to be able to play in a different position for Leeds if Phillips is fit.
The Italy Under-21 international has scored three goals and added two assists in 14 Serie A appearances for Spezia this season.
One of those goals came against Juventus and it’s said that he’s a player who produces the goods at the right time and in the right games.
A lot could depend on whether Spezia stay in Serie A this year. If they do, Leeds may well have to persuade them to sell the player on for an immediate profit if they trigger their option.
If they go down, Leeds will have to persuade Pobega that playing under Bielsa is the best for his development, instead of at Milan, where he’s pledged his future.
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