By Mark Smith

16th Oct, 2021 | 6:45am

Leeds still want to sign Arthur Cabral, work permit no longer issue

Leeds United are still in the hunt to sign Basel forward Arthur Cabral, according to TEAMtalk this week.

The Whites were said to have been interested long-term, but previously were denied the chance to secure the move by work permit issues.

The online outlet have reported that now Cabral has been called up by Brazil, that should no longer be a problem.

One problem may be the growing interest from elsewhere.

Numerous other Premier League clubs are said to be in the hunt for Cabral’s signature, and it could spark a bidding war in order to secure his services.

The Brazilian is also wanted by the likes of Arsenal and Spurs, as well as four other Premier League clubs this year.

The report suggests that scouts have been flooding out of the United Kingdom to watch the striker in Switzerland, and they won’t have been disappointed.

Needed?

With Patrick Bamford still out injured for today’s clash at Southampton, it highlights the lack of options through the middle in the central third.

Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts can both play there, but have been preferred in attacking midfield by Marcelo Bielsa during his tenure at the club.

Having another out-and-out striker available would be perfect, and Cabral could be that man moving forward.

The 23-year-old has been on absolute fire this season already, scoring 20 goals and delivering six assists in his 17 games in all competitions.

That is an unreal record already, and those include four goals in one game against Servette back in August.

Having that man desperate to score goals alongside Bamford in the final third could be an inspired signing, and looking at Cabral, there could be no-one better for that role.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay: The Whites are set for more major investment in 21/22 with the 49ers ready for an equity change