Nahitan Nandez is not on Victor Orta's shortlist for new Leeds United signings this summer, according to journalist Graham Smyth.
The Lowdown: Nandez continually linked with move
The Cagliari midfielder has been one of the players most strongly linked with a move to Elland Road in the coming months following a string of impressive performances in Italy.
Midfield is an area of the pitch where Marcelo Bielsa could look to strengthen, giving his squad more quality in the middle of the park.
Nandez has won 39 caps for Uruguay, highlighting his level of experience, but it is beginning to look as though he won't be joining Leeds.
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The Latest: Smyth provides key update
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, The Yorkshire Evening Post's Smyth said: "Nandez wasn't on the shortlist last time I checked."
Given the journalist's reliable nature when it comes to Leeds-related news, it looks as though Bielsa may need to consider looking at an alternative to Nandez.
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The Verdict: Looking increasingly unlikely
With fellow transfer target Rodrigo de Paul seemingly heading to Atletico Madrid, this is another blow for Leeds as they look to go up another level.
Despite the Whites excelling last season, there were times when Kalvin Phillips felt a little too important - they lost seven out of nine games without him at one point during the campaign. Nandez could be the perfect candidate to take some of the burden off the England international, with the Uruguayan described as "tireless" in a FIFA profile [via HITC].
Should the 25-year-old end up staying put at Cagliari or going elsewhere, it is important that Leeds bring in a midfield alternative, bolstering their options before the new season gets underway in August.
In other news, Leeds are interested in signing an international forward this summer - find out who it is here.