The Whites are said to be in the market for attacking players, while the Saints and Italy ace is reportedly on the Premier League club’s transfer list.
Leeds United are believed to be in the market for attacking players this January, with the likes of Hoffenheim winger Steven Zuber (Bild) and Juventus forward Moise Kean (Sport) linked with the Championship leaders.
Over at Southampton, meanwhile, one striker is reportedly on his way out of St Mary’s, with Sky Sports News suggesting that Manolo Gabbiadini has been put up for sale by the Premier League outfit.
The report suggested that Silvio Pagliari, the Italy international’s agent, flew into London on Wednesday morning for talks with the Saints and to watch them play against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
AC Milan were linked with Gabbiadini but, according to a Gazzetta dello Sport report on Thursday, the interest from the Rossoneri has cooled because “his technical characteristics don’t convince at all”.
Given the 27-year-old’s apparent availability and the prospect of a move to the San Siro seemingly off the cards, should Leeds look to make a move for the former Napoli, Juventus and Sampdoria man?
Some of the Whites faithful seem to think so, judging by a few comments on Twitter:
Tactically speaking, Whoscored says Gabbiadini’s style of play involves cutting inside, shooting from distance, doing layoffs and playing short passes – which sounds apt for a Marcelo Bielsa team – although he’s not the most aerially gifted or physical player.
Meanwhile, a 2017 scouting report from Read Southampton provides an analysis of the Italian’s tactical credentials, pointing out that he is the kind of selfless player who seeks to “bring his teammates into the game and to ease the pressure from his side”, and is gifted with great spatial awareness.
However, we need to look at the financial aspect – Gabbiadini is valued by Transfermarkt at £9m as of December 19, 2018, and is reported by Spotrac to have a current weekly salary of £80,000 per week, which could be out of Leeds’ price range.
Truth be told, at this stage in time it doesn’t look like the most realistic of signings for the Elland Road outfit, unless they’re willing to push the boat out in pursuit of promotion or Gabbiadini is willing to take a big pay cut and Southampton are happy to settle for a more modest fee – or maybe a loan.
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