According to fresh reports out of Italy, Leeds United have tabled an offer for a new midfield target and it's not Rodrigo De Paul...

What's the word?

La Nazione (via Sport Witness) claim that the Yorkshire giants have launched a £10m bid to sign Fiorentina anchorman Erick Pulgar despite the Serie A outfit viewing him as unsellable this summer.

It's thought that Premier League rivals West Ham United were in for him last month and now Marcelo Bielsa's side are the latest name to be keen.

It also appears that £10m won't be enough to sway La Viola into a sale but that could soon change if their offer improves.

De Paul alternative?

One of the ongoing sagas up at Elland Road is surrounding Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul with Mirror journalist David Anderson suggesting that the Whites are unwilling to meet his £36.5m asking price.

So a move for Pulgar could very much be a hint towards Victor Orta and co looking at other alternatives and the 26-year-old Chilean international could certainly make a good case.

In the past, Calciomercato have likened his playing style to that of fellow countryman Arturo Vidal due to his combative tough-tackling abilities.

Per WhoScored, Pulgar delivered seven goals and six assists whilst averaging 2.2 key passes, two tackles and 0.9 shots per game, which is also very much in a similar mould to De Paul himself.

It's rare to find a midfield powerhouse who is also a hugely underrated creative outlet. Last season, he created as many chances as Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller and more than the likes of James Maddison, Emi Buendia and Willian.

With Transfermarkt valuing him at £13.5m, he could be quite the steal in comparison to De Paul.

AND in other news, Leeds should sign £25m maestro fit to replace Pablo Hernandez...