Bielsa lines up transfer for no-nonsense Argentine to play key Leeds role

Nicolas Tagliafico, Amadou Diawara Roma v Ajax April 2021

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has identified Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico as an ‘ideal signing’ for this summer’s transfer window, a report claims.

The Whites enjoyed a solid first transfer window upon their Premier League return, securing several key signings. Raphinha has arguably proved the best of the bunch, adding an exciting attacking dimension. What’s more, Bielsa shored up his defence with the captures of Robin Koch and Diego Llorente.

However, left-back is one area in which the manager failed to bolster his ranks.

TEAMtalk has learned that Real Madrid starlet Miguel Gutierrez is on Leeds’ radar. The 19-year-old has yet to play for the senior side, but also has interest from Tottenham.

According to the Daily Mirror, though, Tagliafico is also a target for Elland Road chiefs.

The 28-year-old penned a new deal with his Dutch employers in December. But while that took the expiry date of his terms to 2023, he will reportedly be free to find a new club this summer.

Manchester City have previously had links with the Argentina international, with left-back a problem position for Pep Guardiola.

However, the Daily Mirror reports that Tagliafico ‘fits the bill’ for Bielsa in his priority search for a new left-back.

Stuart Dallas: Marcelo Bielsa is special

Stuart Dallas: Marcelo Bielsa is special

Stuart Dallas discusses working under Marcelo Bielsa and just how much belief the Leeds United boss puts into his squad.

While the 28-time international will not become the first-choice left-back if he signed, he would play a key role in challenging Stuart Dallas.

Indeed, TEAMtalk understands that helping progress the Northern Irishman is in Bielsa‘s remit for next season.

Furthermore, Ezgjan Alioski’s contract runs out at the end of the season and it remains unclear if he will sign a new deal.

Tagliafico has developed a reputation as a no-nonsense defender. He has picked up 41 yellow cards and two reds in just over three years on domestic and international stages.

This term, meanwhile, he has received eight yellows.

As for his attacking contributions, the left-back has chipped in with 13 goals and 18 assists in 135 matches.

Bielsa hailed by Liverpool boss Klopp

Bielsa Leeds TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, Bielsa has earned more plaudits from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Leeds meet the Reds in a key Premier League clash on Monday, with Klopp previewing the match on Saturday.

The German revealed his admiration for the Whites’ style of play, including in the 2-1 win over Manchester City.

READ MORE: Klopp puts ‘really special’ Leeds in unique bracket; wowed by masterclass Bielsa tactic