Here are your Leeds evening headlines for August 19
Leeds target Brazilian powerhouse Arthur Cabral
Marcelo Bielsa is rumoured to be close to securing a deal for FC Basel’s Brazilian star Arthur Cabral ahead of the new season.
According to an interview from Brazilian journalist Fernando Graziani, reported via MOT Leeds News , Leeds United have already kicked off negotiations with the Swiss side over an £12.5m deal.
Bielsa is on the hunt for attacking reinforcements ahead of the club’s top-flight comeback, and Cabral’s impressive return of 18 goals on loan at Basel in 2019-20 makes him an interesting option.
The issue is likely to be Basel’s potential unwillingness to sell the 22-year old, having only agreed to pay their €4.4m purchase option on him from Palmeiras in July.
However, the opportunity to make a significant profit on him could tip the balance in Leeds’ favour, if Basel can source a replacement in time.
Feyenoord to block Leeds move for Marcos Senesi
Dutch side Feyenoord have warned Leeds United they will not be considering any summer offers for centre back Marcos Senesi.
Leeds have been linked with the Argentinian defender in recent weeks, alongside Premier League rivals Everton.
However, Feyenoord technical director Frank Arnesen has looked to end the speculation by claiming the club want to keep hold of the 23-year old for ‘a long time to come’.
Arnesen admitted he was flattered to see the club’s top stars attracting transfer interest, but insisted the club are under no pressure to sell any players this summer, as per a report from HITC Sport .
Senesi immediately established himself as a regular starter for Dick Advocaat’s side following his arrival from San Lorenzo in July 2019 in a club record deal.
Leeds are set to continue their hunt for a new defender ahead of their return to the Premier League in September, with loan star Ben White still a transfer option for Bielsa.
Luke Ayling picks up PFA Championship Player of the Year title
Leeds United defender Luka Ayling has been named as the PFA Championship Player of the Year after playing a vital role in the club’s promotion back to the Premier League.
Ayling was a rock at the back for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in 2019-20, with 37 Championship appearances and four important goals, including a memorable strike against Huddersfield Town.
The 28-year old played the majority of his football at right back last season, but his ability to step inside and cover for injuries at centre back, helped the Whites to rack up 15 Championship clean sheets.
Ayling came out on top of a shortlist dominated by attacking players, as he beat Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma, Aleksander Mitrovic, Matheus Pereira and Eberechi Eze to the gong, voted for by Championship fans in earlier this month.
