Aymeric Laporte is probably a name not many English football fans have heard for a while, but he could be about to hand Leeds United a massive boost in the transfer market.
This summer is sure to be a busy one for Leeds as The 49ers look to build a squad capable of avoiding relegation from the Premier League. Adam Pope expects six signings and well over £100m to be spent.
Leeds need a goalkeeper, a centre-back, a new deal for Junior Firpo or a replacement, a central midfielder, Manor Solomon permanently or a new winger, a replacement for Brenden Aaronson and a proven striker.
Others too, in terms of strength in depth. A big summer of change in the transfer market, in what will be Adam Underwood’s first window as sporting director. Laporte could now help Leeds make a big signing.
Leeds United are interested in Marseille star Leonardo Balerdi
Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi has emerged as a priority for Leeds this summer. Reports say Leeds have sent scouts to watch Argentina star Balerdi, and they want to do a £20m deal.
Leeds are not alone in their interest to sign Balerdi. Claudio Ranieri’s Roma have been linked for a few months and are now preparing an offer for the defender, but Balerdi’s preference is the Premier League.
De Zerbi is desperate to keep Balerdi at Marseille this summer, previously saying he hopes Balerdi goes under the radar ahead of the summer before describing the Marseille captain as “extraordinary”.
Why Aymeric Laporte could help Leeds in move for Balerdi
French outlet La Provence say Marseille are interested and in advanced talks to raid Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr to bring Spain star Laporte back to European football this summer. A deal is getting close.
Clearly, Marseille have identified the need to bring in a top-quality centre-back and former Manchester City star Laporte is the man they want. If Laporte joins, surely it allows Marseille to cash in on Balerdi.
Indeed, Laporte will be on big money and Al-Nassr won’t want to let him go. There will be a reason that Marseille are trying to sign Laporte and it is to allow Balerdi to go – with Leeds potential beneficiaries.
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