Bielsa urges Leeds to launch fresh January bid for summer target

Rodrigo de Paul

Marcelo Bielsa wants Leeds to back him in the January transfer window and finds the funds needed to sign summer target Rodrigo de Paul.

The Udinese playmaker was strongly linked with United over the summer, with their €35m asking price ultimately proving prohibitive.

United made a strong start to the Premier League season and temporarily climbed third after a thumping 3-0 win at Aston Villa.

However, successive 4-1 defeats have seen Leeds tumble to 15th in a congested Premier League table.

In the most recent of those losses – an “unfortunate” defeat at Crystal Palace – United were forced to make do without Pablo Hernandez. The veteran Spaniard was left on the sidelines after a show of disrespect at his substitution in the previous game. One pundit has urged Hernandez to make peace with Bielsa to avoid suffering the same fate as Pontus Jansson.

Leeds’ lack of creativity in the No 10 role has been obvious in the last two matches. The role has been fulfiled in recent weeks by summer signing Rodrigo Moreno. However, his positive test for Covid-19 forced him to miss both games due to a period of self-isolation.

Even so, according to Don Balon, Leeds are ready to rekindle their efforts to prise De Paul from Udinese in January.

They report Bielsa remains keen to add his countryman to his side’s ranks. Furthermore, it’s claimed the player is also agitating for the move.

Bielsa reportedly sees De Paul’s attacking instincts as a key addition to his side’s offensive and daring style of play.

Leeds have dominated most sides they have faced this season, but often have trouble unlocking packed defences. De Paul’s intelligence and vision could make all the difference.

The article concludes that Leeds are preparing an offer that will satisfy the Serie A side’s demands over the player.

However, with his contract tying him to Udinese until 2024, they are unlikely to consider any offers below their asking price.

 


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Pablo Hernandez apology

Since the match at Selhurst Park, Hernandez has issued an apology via the club’s social media channels.

Pablo Hernandez

After appearing to throw away his Armistice Day black armband against Leicester, Hernandez was keen to express his regret. He also was keen to pledge his loyalty to Bielsa and his respect for those who fought in the war.

Writing on Instagram, Hernandez stated: “Apologies for my gesture the other day. It was a reaction that nothing describes my way of being or my way of thinking.

“I have always represented and will represent the values of this club and this fans as they deserve #lestweforget ”

 

READ MORE: Public enemy No 1 tips Bielsa to spend in January