Leeds United look set to break their transfer record for the second consecutive summer by signing Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The Lowdown: Smyth not so sure

Even though the links to Nandez appear to be gathering pace abroad, Yorkshire Evening Post’s chief football writer Graham Smyth isn’t so sure.

He replied to a Leeds fan on Twitter last weekend, insisting the Uruguayan wasn’t on the club’s shortlist the last time he checked.

Of course, things can change, and reports closer to the Serie A club clearly think the Whites are closing in on the 25-year-old, who can play as a defensive, central or right midfielder.

The Latest: Reports from Italy

According to Corriere dello Sport, Leeds have decided to pay the €36m (£31m) clause in Nandez’s contract.

The report leads with a title claiming a move for Nandez is done, however, Leeds are still hoping to pay the fee in two instalments.

The two clubs’ excellent relationship has generated a strong feeling an agreement regarding payment structure will come, but whatever way you look at it, a £31m deal would see Nandez become Leeds’ most expensive signing, eclipsing the £27m move for Rodrigo Moreno last summer.

The Verdict: A marquee addition

Should the recent report prove accurate and Nandez does indeed move to Yorkshire, he’ll be the marquee midfield addition that seems to be required at Elland Road.

Kalvin Phillips, Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich were regulars in the engine room last season, so bringing in Nandez will give Bielsa that extra body that could be crucial for Leeds to push on this season.

When Phillips was unavailable last term, the Whites won just two out of nine top flight matches, showing exactly how crucial some additional depth in midfield could be.

Nandez made 32 Serie A appearances in a plethora of different positions last season, so his flexibility could also prove extremely handy across the campaign, adding to the strength of multiple positions in the squad.

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