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Elliott Jackson

Five players Leeds United could target to repeat Marcelo Bielsa's greatest transfer trick

Perhaps the most staggering part of Leeds United's success under Marcelo Bielsa is the stories of those who have been integral to their rise.

Patrick Bamford, a £5million Championship misfit, yet to really find a home or unlock the potential which had him on Chelsea's books, finished the season with 17 Premier League goals.

Liam Cooper, once dubbed 'League One Liam' by a section of unforgiving Leeds fans, has been an ever-present, whilst Stuart Dallas has played every position under the sun whilst collecting a trio of club-voted honours in his debut Premier League season.

Bielsa has vastly improved Leeds' stars beyond their wildest expectations. Players who languished 14th in the Championship are now established top-flight players, playing crucial roles for a top-half club.

With that in mind, the Championship could prove to be another gold mine this summer for Leeds, given Bielsa's previous success at unearthing unlikely heroes.

With that in mind, LeedsLive takes a look at five second-tier players who could be targeted to make the leap to Elland Road this summer.

Arnaut Danjuma - Bournemouth

The Cherries' failed play-off push has left them vulnerable.

Bournemouth's parachute payments were not enough to secure an immediate return to the Premier League but it would be a crying shame if Danjuma played out another year at second-tier level.

The Dutchman scored 17 goals and registered seven assists in just 31 Championship starts, which were restricted due to injury.

Danjuma's best qualities are his direct wing play, skill and composure in front of goal. As he raced clear to score Bournemouth's opener at Brentford, there was only one outcome as he slotted past David Raya. Calmness personified.

The 24-year-old is quite simply too good for Championship football and his work rate coupled with end product could make him the perfect fit for Bielsa's style.

With Raphinha down one wing and Danjuma the other, a trip to Elland Road would be a full-back's nightmare.

Callum Styles - Barnsley


Another defeated play-off semi-finalist that could see their prized possessions stolen is Barnsley.

Daryl Dike has grabbed all the headlines on loan from Orlando City but it's Styles that could be the perfect fit for Bielsa and Leeds.

Styles has been deployed as an all-action, high-energy left-wing-back for Valerien Ismael's overachievers. Like Leeds, the Tykes play a high-pressing style, though built around a more direct approach.

At the age of 20, he's the latest lower-league pick-up that could see Barnsley make millions but it's an investment worth making for Leeds.

With Ezgjan Alioski and Barry Douglas both out of contract next month, Styles could be the diamond in the rough that slots into the left-hand side of defence.

Oh, and he can play central midfield too.

Michael Olise

One of the more high-profile Championship performers, Olise has been a rising star for Reading.

The division's Young Player of the Year looks Premier League-bound, with Tottenham reportedly amongst a host of other clubs tracking his signature.

The 19-year-old scored seven goals and registered 12 assists for the Royals in an eye-catching campaign. With Pablo Hernandez leaving the club, Olise could be the perfect replacement as a ball carrier with an eye for a pass.

What makes this deal all the sweeter is Olise reportedly has an £8million buyout clause in his contract, which would make the Frenchman an absolute snip for any potential buyer.

Lloyd Kelly - Bournemouth

Back to the Vitality Stadium now and Bielsa's love for versatility comes into play here.

Kelly struggled for minutes in his debut campaign on the south coast after picking up a serious knee injury but started 35 games in the Championship.

At the age of 22, Kelly's ceiling remains high. There's a reason he heavily linked with a move to Liverpool before moving to Bournemouth. The rise of Ezri Konsa at Aston Villa should be an example for Leeds in this case.

What makes sense about a move for the Englishman is his versatility. Kelly can play at left-back or left-centre-back in a three or four-man defence. We know Bielsa loves versatility.

At centre-back, Leeds are well-stocked, admittedly, but left-back remains a position where the Whites must strengthen.

Adam Armstrong - Blackburn Rovers

How do you sign a backup for Patrick Bamford that's of sufficient quality to make a difference? You buy someone that can play out wide too.

Whilst Armstrong is firmly fixed as a centre-forward after netting 28 goals, his pace and movement means he is comfortable playing from the left-hand side.

The former Newcastle United striker was only outscored by Ivan Toney in the Championship and if you remove penalties, he was the division's leading marksman. All for a Blackburn side that finished in the bottom half of the table.

Rodrigo Moreno is capable of playing as Leeds focal point in Bamford's absence but Armstrong's pace would add another string to Bielsa's attacking bow.

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