Report: Club have already found replacement for £26m Leeds target ahead of potential move

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Cagliari President Tommaso Giulini has accelerated his plans to sign Kevin Strootman to replace Nahitan Nandez as he nears a move to Leeds United, according to Calciomercato.

Giulini hopes to agree a deal for the Marseille midfielder following a strong showing on loan at Genoa last season. Strootman provided four assists over 18 Serie A appearances after moving to Italy in January to help finish in mid-table.

Cagliari avoided relegation after an impressive campaign from Nandez, but the Uruguayan is nearing a move to Leeds. Director of Football Victor Orta is eager to sew up a transfer with Inter Milan still showing a keen interest.

Leeds are in talks with Cagliari that could soon return a positive outcome with Nandez heading to Elland Road. His Serie A side are willing to listen to offers below his €36m (£31m) release clause, with €30m (£26m) enough. A figure the Whites are willing to pay.

Inter Milan will struggle to beat Leeds to Nandez as their difficult financial position limits what they could offer Cagliari. The Nerazzurri have not given up hope of signing the 25-year-old, and have discussed Nandez in negotiations over Radja Nainggolan.

But Leeds stand to come out singing and land Nandez after Marcelo Bielsa insistently urged a deal for the Cagliari star, per La Nuova Sardegna. While L’Unione Sarda claim the Uruguayan has green light a move to England once he returns from the Copa America.

Cagliari ready replacement for Leeds target Nandez

And Cagliari have given Leeds and Bielsa a further boost by lining up Strootman as a potential replacement for Nandez. Giulini has fast-tracked plans for the midfielder, who has two years remaining on his contract with Marseille.

The Ligue 1 outfit paid Roma £23m for Strootman in 2018, but he told Algemeen Dagblad two years ago that they were already open to his exit. Now, the 31-year-old could seal a permanent return to Italy and help clear the way for Leeds to sign Nandez.

Doing so would offer Cagliari a solid replacement for their engine room. Former Roma coach Luciano Spalletti once stated, via Goal: “Strootman is like a machine, he always wants 100 per cent.” Which Giulini’s intent on now adding with Nandez set for Leeds.