Leeds United are still interested in re-signing Ronaldo Vieira from Sampdoria but the Serie A club now reportedly want to keep hold of him.
The Lowdown: Vieira linked with Leeds return
The 23-year-old enjoyed a productive if inconsistent spell at Elland Road back during the Whites' Championship days, making 71 appearances for the club overall.
Vieira ended up joining Sampdoria in 2o18 and he has had an up-and-down spell there too, being injured for almost a year and only returning to action this month.
A return to Leeds for the 5 foot 10 midfield maestro has been reported in recent weeks, but a new update suggests it is no longer on the cards.
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The Latest: Key development emerges
According to ClubDoria46, a local outlet in Genoa [via Sport Witness], the Whites are now the 'only club still interested in him', but that is the only piece of positive news.
The headline says 'Bye bye Leeds' before rather ominously suggesting that 'there's been a development' - Vieira's return from injury has led to Sampdoria deciding to keep hold of him.
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The Verdict: Must secure an alternative
With time running out in the January transfer window and a new midfielder badly needed, it is important that Leeds now turn their attention elsewhere.
Kalvin Phillips and Adam Forshaw are both currently out injured, leaving Marcelo Bielsa short of options at the heart of midfield, and someone like Cagliari's Nahitan Nandez would be a fantastic addition before deadline day ends on Monday.
The Uruguayan has a huge amount of experience, winning 49 caps for his country, also winning an average of 2.3 aerial duels and 1.9 tackles per game in Serie A this season.
He may be able to leave this month and he would be an upgrade on Vieira, having been linked with the club since last summer.
In other news, a journalist has made a big Marcelo Bielsa claim. Read more here.