The Iranian centre-back has reportedly emerged on Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United radar.
Morteza Pouraliganji is searching for a club in central Europe and is willing to look beyond the continent’s top divisions after being linked with Leeds United.
Pouraliganji saw a move to Tranzonspor fall through this week and, posting on Instagram yesterday (Wednesday), the free agent said it was his decision to reject the Turkish side.
According to the Iran based Tasnim News Agency, Pouraliganji is on the radar of Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa.
And the centre-back’s comments suggest he would be open to joining the Whites.
On turning down Trabzonspor, who finished fifth last season, Pouraliganji explained: “I feel like I will show myself better in central Europe and I will improve better.
“Even if the team or the league is lower, but I recognise that it can grow.
“I did not accept the best team of Qatar and a few of the good teams of Qatar, and I did not accept a few Russian offers, and I did not even accept offers from Greece and Turkey.”
Pouraliganji, whose ability to operate as a central midfielder would make him a useful addition for Leeds, played every single minute of Iran’s 2018 World Cup campaign and has 30 caps in total.
The 26-year-old was recently linked with a move to Brighton and Hove Albion, although nothing materialised.
Having been released by Al Sadd before the close of the regular window, Pouraliganji can still be signed by Leeds up until the August 31st deadline for loans and free transfers.
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