Leeds request info on Vieira-esque midfielder eyed as promotion gift for Bielsa – report
Leeds United are one of at least four teams who have requested information on Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
Florentino, 20, is one of the hottest young prospects at Benfica and has made 15 appearances across all competitions for the first-team this season.
It is understood that the defensive midfielder has been compared to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira for his style of play and as well as Leeds, Manchester United and AC Milan are also keen on the Portugal Under-21 international.
TuttoMercatoWeb claims that if Leeds win promotion to the Premier League then Florentino will be seen as a “luxury” gift for Marcelo Bielsa.
The report adds that Benfica would consider cashing in on the young midfielder due to the coronavirus’ impact on football’s economy. They would even consider a loan-to-buy deal with any club keen on the player.
It remains to be seen whether or not Leeds will need a new holding midfielder ahead of next season.
If the Whites go up then you would expect Kalvin Phillips to stay on so why would they need Florentino when he plays in the same position and is likely to cost a big transfer fee?
It is going to be a tough market once the season is over and Bielsa’s already shown that he doesn’t need to do much transfer business to improve his squad.
Unless Phillips goes we really doubt that Florentino will head to Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay says the Whites could sell this senior player who has over a year left on his contract.