---
title: "Leeds: Whites still keen on Nicolas Nkoulou move"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-whites-still-keen-on-nicolas-nkoulou-move/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2021-03-22T19:05:24Z"
modified: "2021-03-22T19:05:24Z"
---

# Leeds: Whites still keen on Nicolas Nkoulou move

**Leeds United are reportedly still interested in signing Torino centre-back Nicolas Nkoulou this summer, with talks becoming more ‘intense’.**

Marcelo Bielsa could be on the lookout for new addition in the next transfer window as he aims to bolster his squad and establish the Whites as a solid Premier League outfit again.

One area where Leeds appear to be [relatively well-stocked](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leeds-united/kadernachposition/verein/399) is at centre-back, but that hasn’t stopped one rumour from doing the rounds.

Bielsa has been [linked](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/bielsa-nicolas-nkoulou-reunion-torino-leeds-transfer) with bringing Nkoulou to Elland Road in the past and it is now claimed that they are still eyeing up the [72-cap](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nicolas-nkoulou/profil/spieler/60577) Cameroon international.

\[freshpress-quiz id=“347980″\]

### Leeds still keen on Nkoulou move

According to [Calciomercato](https://www.calciomercato.com/news/nkoulou-leeds-nuovi-contatti-l-addio-al-torino-e-ormai-certo-23543) \[via [Leeds All Over](https://www.leedsallover.com/report-leeds-united-stepping-up-pursuits-of-out-of-contract-seria-a-defender/)\], talks over a move for the 30-year-old have become ‘increasingly intense’, with his contract at Torino [expiring](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nicolas-nkoulou/profil/spieler/60577) at the end of the season.

Nkoulou has been at the Serie A club since 2017 and may believe that a fresh challenge is required.

### Transfer Tavern take

As mentioned, there is no great need to sign a centre-back this summer, although Nkoulou’s vast experience could prove to be a shrewd addition. Also, his [88.7% passing success rate](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/43834/Show/Nicolas-Nkoulou) is better than [any of Leeds’ senior centre-backs](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/19/Show/England-Leeds), while [nobody at Elland Road can match](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/19/Show/England-Leeds) his average of [2.4 interceptions](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/43834/Show/Nicolas-Nkoulou) per game – Liam Cooper [comes closest at 2.3](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/19/Show/England-Leeds).

Bringing him in for free may not affect the club’s transfer budget, either, which is another reason why taking a punt on him could be worth it.

It feels like a win-win scenario, with Leeds already possessing strong options in that area should Bielsa opt against a move for Nkoulou.

***In other news, Leeds have received a boost in their quest to sign a world-famous star this summer. Find out who it is [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/leeds-whites-boosted-in-attempts-to-sign-douglas-costa/).***