Would hiring Bruce make Leeds favourites for Abel Hernandez?

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Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce is reported to be a target for Championship giants Leeds United, as is Hull City striker Abel Hernandez.

If Leeds United want to sign Abel Hernandez on a free transfer this summer, hiring Steve Bruce could be key.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are big fans of the Uruguayan striker, who is set to leave Hull City when his contract expires. Hernandez is a proven Championship goal-scorer who netted eight times in just eight starts during an injury hit 2017/18 season.

Leeds Live, however, points out that Leeds face a challenge. They have made a tempting offer to the striker but the chance to play for the likes of Wolves, who can offer Premier League football, also reportedly appeals.

So reports in the Daily Star that Leeds are monitoring Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce as a potential replacement for the under-fire Paul Heckingbottom add extra intrigue to the Hernandez situation.

Bruce is a huge fan of the former Palermo striker. He paid a club-record £10 million to bring Hernandez to Humberside and the striker repaid him by firing Hull to the Premier League in the 2015/16 season with 20 goals, earning him the Championship Golden Boot in the process.

And, according to Sky Sports, Bruce was hoping to reunite with Hernandez two summers ago, only for a £20 million move to fall through at the 11th hour due to personal terms.

But if the 57-year-old swaps Villa for Leeds this summer, do not be surprised if he does reunite with Hernandez at Elland Road. Bruce could be Leeds’ trump card in negotiations.