According to La Nazione (via Sport Witness), Leeds are now preparing to make a loan offer for Fiorentina's Erick Pulgar.

What's the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested Marcelo Bielsa's side are on the look-out for an new central midfielder, with Pulgar's name consistently being linked with a switch to Elland Road.

Now, Italian publication La Nazione has claimed that Leeds are ready to make their move for the Chile international, proposing a loan move until the end of the season and without an obligation to buy at the end of it.

Answering Bielsa's prayers

Leeds only have to look back to twelve months ago to see the perils of bringing someone in on loan during the January transfer window and having an 'obligation' to buy at the end of it - the Jean-Kevin Augustin ordeal is still fresh in the memory.

So by ensuring they don't have that fixed attachment in a deal to sign Pulgar, would mean if his short spell in the Premier League doesn't quite work out, Leeds can simply wave goodbye to him at the end of it all.

Bielsa has a really dearth in options in that Kalvin Phillips role, with Pascal Struijk really the only player who the Leeds boss has used in that all important holding midfield role.

Whilst Pulgar can play a bit further forward too, the 6 foot 2 machine may be seen by Bielsa as someone to provide vital cover to his talisman, Phillips.

Injuries and suspensions will really take their toll over this long Premier League season, and if Phillips was to miss a significant period of time, it could spell major trouble.

Pulgar on a six-month loan would go a long way to addressing that, and given they are set to only target him on loan and not permanently, it would give the Whites a security blanket if things don't work out. It really would be a Victor Orta masterclass.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are facing a transfer battle for this Serie A sensation...