If some of the more recent reports are to be believed, Leeds United have taken an interest in Udinese's playmaker, Rodrigo De Paul. Of course, with Marcelo Bielsa's crew making a grand comeback to the Premier League, the Whites will need to reinforce their squad.

Some business has already been done as Rodrigo joined from Valencia just recently but it seems Bielsa is still not fully satisfied with the outlook of his squad.

But according to a fresh update from Messaggero Venuto, De Paul himself dreams of actually moving to Juventus and would prefer that transfer over the switch to Elland Road.

The 26-year-old's stance might indeed put Bielsa's plan into jeopardy as the Bianconeri clearly have an advantage over their rivals if this is really to become a battle between the two.

De Paul himself is a creative spark and a very talented playmaker so it doesn't surprise that Udinese are already preparing for his eventual departure. Still, it will be up to him to choose his next destination.

As thing currently stand, Leeds and Juventus could be going head to head to acquire his services in the ongoing summer transfer window. But what chance does Bielsa have against Andrea Pirlo and his crew if that's really the case?

Only time will tell.

Verdict

While it might be too early to tell if Bielsa should throw in the towel and start focusing on alternative targets, it does seem like Leeds can't exactly go toe to toe with a giant of European football that is Juventus.

However, the latest reports don't exactly say how interested the Bianconeri are in the 26-year-old playmaker. If Pirlo decides to go all in, there's little the Whites can do.

But if they are not insisting on signing him, maybe there's an opening the newly-promoted Premier League side can explore.