Leeds could have a trump card in pursuit of Nuno, after learning of £8m fee – Our View

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Leeds are reportedly considering Nuno Espirito Santo as their next manager but will have to pay a release clause of £8m to lure him out of his Al-Ittihad contract – but they could have a trump card in their pursuit, in Helder Costa.

Nuno, 49, is currently at Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad. Fresh from winning the Saudi Arabian Super Cup, Nuno is being linked with a move to Elland Road – but he has a contract with his current side until 2024. Leeds will have to pay a fee.

90Min report that Leeds will need to fork out his £8million release clause in order to lure him to Elland Road. A big fee, for a manager that might only be given a contract until the summer. It is a figure that might put Leeds off Nuno.

But, Leeds may have a trump card to help that. Indeed, 29-year-old Costa is on loan at Nuno’s current side. He still has a contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2024. Maybe there is a deal for Leeds to do, involving Nuno and Costa.

Leeds considering Nuno Espirito Santo, Helder Costa trump card

If Leeds do choose to go after Nuno, then the £8m fee will be an issue if they are only considering the Portuguese gaffer on a short-term basis. Handing him a long-term contract will engineer criticism from sections of the fan base.

Costa, meanwhile, has not future at Leeds. When his loan ends in the summer, he will have spent the last two seasons out on loan – spending a year at Valencia last term. He is a regular for Al-Ittihad – they may want him permanently.

Leeds cannot expect much of a fee for Costa. But, allowing Costa to join permanently for free – in order to reduce the release clause for Nuno – would make sense for all parties. Perhaps, halving the £8m figure. Costa could help Leeds.