Italian journalist says Leeds want to sign breakthrough Italy talent Mateo Retegui

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Italian journalist Ciro Venerato claims Leeds United are interested in a move to sign breakthrough Italy talent Mateo Retegui after he starred for his newly-inherited country during the last international break – scoring against England.

Retegui, 23, has been in fine form for his club side Tigre in Argentina’s top tier. Clocking up 52 appearances, he has scored 30 goals. Not many saw what was coming next. The Argentine-born ace was called up by Roberto Mancini.

He had featured for Argentina’s Under-19 side. Considering he is playing his football in his home country, it was a bit of a shock for Mancini to go looking and bring in Retegui for Italy. He qualifies for Italy through his Grandmother.

It was a surprise move that completely paid off. With Italy lacking in strikers, Retegui took full advantage. He scored Italy’s only goal against England, and netted against Malta. Marcelo Lippi branded him a “classic centre-forward”.

Little surprise then, that given he is playing for a club like Tigre, European interest is mounting. Venerato says, as per Area Napoli, that Leeds are one of a number of clubs keen. AC Milan, Inter and Frankfurt are also in the mix.

“Yes, I can confirm that Eintracht Frankfurt is on Retegui’s trail also because Kolo Muani will leave. Leeds and the two Milan clubs are also on the player. Inter has come forward for the player, talking to both the agent and player.”

Leeds interested in breakthrough Italy talent Retegui, Milan clubs too

Frankfurt won the Europa League last year and remain in the hunt for European qualification this season, currently sitting in the Conference League position in the Bundesliga. Inter, and Milan, are in the Champions League positions.

So, why would Retegui want to join Leeds when he could join a team with European football to offer? Well, a move to the Premier League – if Leeds stay up – is a dream. It is where the money is. Leeds would see him probably start.

But with Milan keen to offload Origi, and both Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic getting on, Retegui will have a shot at starting. Frankfurt, too, with Randal Kolo Muani likely to go. Leeds are serious outsiders in this one.