The Leeds United fans in the Transfer Tavern were delighted by the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa last week and they are hoping that his arrival will convince players of genuine quality to move to Elland Road this summer.
Now that Bielsa has taken over from Paul Heckingbottom the Leeds supporters can look forward to plenty of passion and eccentricity from their new manager on the sideline. However, the supporters are ultimately looking for quality on the pitch to ensure they are in with a chance of securing promotion to the top-flight next season, and recent reports suggest a fantastic defensive talent could become available this summer.
According to Sky Sports, West Ham are hoping to complete the signing of Alfie Mawson from Swansea City – a deal which would cast doubt over the future of Declan Rice (valued at £9 million by transfermarkt).
Rice completed his first full season as a senior player during the Hammers 2017/18 campaign and slowly established himself as a first-team regular, but now that Manuel Pellegrini has taken the reigns at the London Stadium there are some doubts looming over his future.
According to a report from The Times, Rice recently rejected a fresh contract at West Ham with just one year remaining on his current deal, so Leeds would be wise to take advantage of the situation this summer.
It’s unlikely that the Whites can afford to sign the 19-year-old on a permanent transfer, but a loan deal should be possible if West Ham eventually bring Mawson to the club.
Rice demonstrated maturity beyond his years last season and played a crucial role in his club’s survival bid with his intelligent positional play, youthful enthusiasm and willingness to put everything on the line in the name of three-points
Taking a step down to the Championship might not appeal to Rice at first-glance, but if Bielsa is personally able to convince him that his side will be pushing for promotion next season then a loan deal could be on the cards, especially if Pellegrini deems him surplus to requirements.
Although making a bid for Rice would undoubtedly be audacious, it’s a deal which is not beyond the realms of possibility, so Bielsa should do everything in his power to convince the hot prospect to complete a switch to Elland Road this summer.
Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
