Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the race to land Leeds target and Cagliari gem Nahitan Nandez...

What's the talk?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Inter have opened talks with Cagliari over a deal to sign Leeds United target Nahitan Nandez on loan this summer. Cagliari are said to be keen on signing Radja Nainggolan from the Milan giants, which could play a part in the negotiations.

Leeds have been linked with a swoop for the midfielder this summer, who is reportedly valued at £26m (€30m) by Cagliari. Victor Orta travelled to Italy earlier this month to discuss a potential deal for the Uruguayan.

Bielsa will be gutted

Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds will be gutted reading this latest update. Whilst it is not suggested that a deal is done, or even close, Inter appear to be the favourites given that they have already opened talks over a loan for the ace.

Cagliari wanting Naingollan also hands them a key boost over Leeds, as they could offer the former Roma man in exchange to bolster their chances of getting a move over the line in the coming weeks.

The Leeds coach will be frustrated because Nandez could have been a smart addition to his squad. Mateusz Klich struggled for consistency in the Premier League last season, with an average WhoScored rating of 6.51, and that suggests that a central midfielder is required at Elland Road before the end of the window.

Nandez caught the eye in Italy with his performances across the park, which means that he could have the potential to make the grade in the English top-flight. Serie A journalist Conor Clancy was effusive in his praise of the “machine” and pointed to his versatility on the pitch as one of his main attributes.

He said: "Anywhere Bielsa wants to play him, he’d do a job. I like him a lot.

“I think he’s only about five foot seven, but you wouldn’t know it if you just watched clips of him, he is a little bit of a machine. He’s so powerful but at the same time, has really, really good ball control.”

The 25-year-old showed off his tactical flexibility for Cagliari last season,  playing in eight separate positions across the defence and midfield whilst averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.72. This shows that he has the quality to provide consistent, solid, displays in a multitude of roles at the top level.

Therefore, Bielsa would love him at Elland Road as he could utilise him in a number of positions across his team and have the option to change formations in-game. This is why he will be gutted by the prospect of Inter potentially snapping him up on loan.

AND in other news, Orta must act swiftly to sign "unbelievable" £5.5k-p/w beast, Bielsa needs him at LUFC...