Leeds defensive target obtains work permit as midfielder added to shortlist

Leeds United have made contact for the signing of Sampdoria defender Omar Colley as their transfer plans take shape, according to reports in Italy.

Colley has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time. He remains an important player for Sampdoria but they should be happy to sell him on for a profit in the summer. That could present an opportunity for someone like Leeds.

News of the West Yorkshire club’s interest emerged last month, when they joined the likes of Fulham and West Ham in the race to sign Colley. Newcastle have also been linked.

Now, there has been a boost to their hopes of landing the Gambia international. He has now acquired a work permit that would make it easier for him to move to the Premier League.

As such, Tuttomercatoweb claim that Colley is very much on Leeds’ radar. The Elland Road outfit have asked for information about the 28-year-old.

Even though he is under contract until 2025, Sampdoria are willing to cash in on him. Leeds are thus monitoring the situation.

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Marcelo Bielsa has had to juggle his defensive options this season. Robin Koch and Diego Llorente arrived last summer but have both struggled with injuries.

The pair are back in contention now, though, which has left Bielsa with a dilemma. He also has Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk available to play at centre-back.

Therefore, it seems they would only need another option like Colley if they were to sell one of their current players there. Even so, it seems Leeds are weighing up a move for the Sampdoria centre-back.

Yangel Herrera on Leeds radar

Another player that Leeds have been linked with is Yangel Herrera, who is currently on loan at Granada from Manchester City.

The midfielder has been impressing in his two-season spell with the La Liga club, who have reached the Europa League quarter-finals this season. At 23 years old, though, his City future is in question.

According to Talking Shutt, a Leeds United podcast, the club have added him to their shortlist of potential targets.

Herrera appeals because of his versatility and therefore could be an ideal player for Bielsa. It is not yet clear how much the Venezuela international would cost.

West Ham and Southampton have also been linked with Herrera, according to Goal.

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