Leeds United are one of three clubs said to be interested in signing an attacking midfielder from Italy’s second tier that could end up costing as much as £3.5million.
The Whites are expected to be in the market for a number of reasons this summer. The need to sell a few players because of the inherited credit card bill, but the need to bring in replacements for those that go.
Leeds will need a new right-back this summer, and either Joe Rodon or a replacement for The Welshman. Perhaps, another central midfielder and those to come in for Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville.
The no.10 role has always been one area that Leeds lack, with Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter covering that position this season but neither naturally 10’s while Joe Gelhardt has struggled to get any game time.
The Whites looked to address that role last season with moves for Nadiem Amiri and Matt O’Riley among others, but nothing materialised. This summer, they have started their work early, as per an Italian report.
Leeds in talks to sign Swiss playmaker for a fee of £3.5m
A report from Italian site Il Resto Del Carlino claims that Serie A side Monza are pushing to sign Natan Girma from second-tier side Reggiana. It comes after the “jewel” had a hand in nine goals last season.
Reggiana do not want to lose their 22-year-old Swiss star, who stands at a lofty 6ft 3in. But they are aware that a move abroad could tempt Girma, with Leeds and Watford said to be in talks to sign the player.
Indeed, Leeds have shown interest in Girma and have opened talks with the player’s representatives over a move. Watford too, with Reggiana looking for a fee between £2.5m and £3.5m for the midfielder.
Leeds need a player like Girma, but is Girma the right buy?
Leeds still need another body in the 10 role even if Rutter is now first choice there and unlikely to be shifted, unless the Frenchman is sold in the coming months at Elland Road with clubs likely to take a look.
But cover is required. An attacking midfielder would be a smart buy and Girma is that kind of player, but is a player who only managed nine goal involvements and has just had a knee operation the right buy?
Leeds can surely do better than Girma, but he is cheap and young and be a smart addition in years to come. One to keep an eye on but hardly the answer to the lack of options in attacking midfield.