Italian website Il Secolo report that Andrea Radrizzani is keen to raid Leeds United for young trio Mateo Joseph, Leo Hjelde and Diogo Monteiro this summer – with the still-remaining Leeds chairman eyeing loan deals for two of them.
Radrizzani has chosen Italian legend Andrea Pirlo as Sampdoria boss and is looking to guide the recently-relegated Sampdoria back into Serie A at the first time of asking. He remains Leeds chairman, as Leeds await EFL ratification.
Leeds find themselves in a similar position, and the chances are that the Whites – and expected new gaffer Daniel Farke will turn to the club’s impressive youngsters. Joseph captained Leeds 21’s to promotion from PL2 Division 2.
Monteiro joined for £1m in January from Swiss side Servette, while Hjelde spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship side Rotherham – impressing. The report says Radrizzani has targeted two of those three.
Indeed, he wants to sign Monteiro and Hjelde on loan. But the report also states that he is an admirer of Joseph and could try to sign the Spain-born England U20 ace, who competed at the U20 World Cup in Argentina this summer.
Radrizzani keen to raid Leeds for Hjelde and Monteiro; Also likes Joseph
The chances are that Hjelde will be an important player for Leeds this season. Junior Firpo is likely to leave, and Leeds will need cover. Norway U21 man Hjelde could come in. A decision needs to be made on his Leeds future.
Monteiro is more likely, and so is Joseph. Leeds have plenty of options at centre-back, even with Robin Koch and Diego Llorente leaving – Phil Hay says they are close to going to Eintracht Frankfurt and AS Roma, both on loan.
Monteiro will struggle to overtake Charlie Cresswell, Liam Cooper, Max Wober, Pascal Struijk and a possible signing of Nat Phillips. Joseph too, who finds himself behind a number of strikers. Sampdoria could be a good move.
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