Leeds United are reportedly keen on Derby County’s Matej Vydra.
Leeds United are closing in on their new manager, with Marcelo Bielsa set to be appointed as Paul Heckingbottom’s replacement, as reported by The Guardian.
The Whites sacked Heckingbottom after just four months in the job at the beginning of June, and after going for the local route with the ex-Barnsley boss, owner Andrea Radrizzani is thinking bigger this time.
Legendary coach Bielsa, 62, is all set for a blockbuster move to Elland Road, as the Argentinian prepares to embark on his first venture into English football.
Whilst Bielsa’s move hasn’t been made official just yet, the Yorkshire Evening Post recently claimed that Leeds are pushing to land Derby County’s Matej Vydra, with Bielsa an ‘admirer’ of the Czech forward.
The 26-year-old will cost big money after hitting 21 goals in 42 games this past season, but Leeds’ pursuit of the former Watford man will leave some questions about other players, such as Samu Saiz.
Bielsa is expected to use his innovative 3-3-1-3 system with Leeds, with a creative No. 10 key to his plans. Vydra played in that role for Derby last season, and whilst he was once a striker, playing behind a front man has become his ideal role.
However, the same can be said for Spaniard Saiz, who flashed ability last season with nine goals and seven assists in all competitions following a move from Huesca.
The two players would ideally want the No. 10 spot, and it would be fascinating to see how Bielsa would juggle the pair if he does manage to land Vydra in a big-money deal this summer.
He could push Saiz or Vydra out to the left of the attacking three, or use Vydra as a striker, but that doesn’t seem like the best way to utilise either player, and after questions about his attitude towards the end of the season, a deal for Vydra may just give Saiz cause for concern unless Bielsa could find a way to get the best out of both in his 3-3-1-3 setup.
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