The Mail claim Leeds United are eyeing a move to hire Patrick Vieira, who has been without a job since leaving Crystal Palace in the second half of last season – and here are three Palace players he could target at Elland Road.
Three Palace players Leeds could target if Vieira is hired:
Will Hughes
Bit of an unlikely one, in 28-year-old Hughes. The ball-playing midfielder certainly has all the credentials that Leeds would love to add in the middle of the park. Technically excellent, and has played 195 times in the Championship.
His contract only has a year left to run, meaning a possible transfer could be on the cards. But, under Roy Hodgson, he was heavily involved during the final third of the season. Palace will be keen to keep Hughes at Selhurst Park.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mateta is much more likely. Leeds could do with a striker. Georginio Rutter and Rodrigo have both been linked with the exit door, and Leeds cannot rely on Patrick Bamford – even in the Championship. Mateta has shown glimpses.
His winner against Leicester, which saw Brendan Rodgers sacked, for example. French site Le Phoceen said in 2021 that Leeds were looking at Mateta, but he joined Palace for £13m. If Vieira joins Leeds, Mateta might be considered.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
With Jack Harrison, Willy Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville and Luis Sinisterra all attracting interest – Leeds will need wingers. Dan James could stay. But, a new winger or two is clearly needed at Elland Road in the coming weeks.
Rak-Sakyi would be ideal. The 20-year-old sparkled on loan in League One with Charlton last term, producing a huge 23 goals and assists for the Addicks. A loan to Elland Road, perhaps with a permanent option, would be ideal.
Indeed, he would surely love to reunite with Vieira, too. The Frenchman gave Rak-Sakyi his professional debut in August 2021, during a 3-0 loss to Chelsea. He has only managed one more senior outing for the Eagles.
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