An update has emerged on Leeds target Matheus Pereira, regarding interest from UAE side Sharjah...
What's the talk?
According to Emirati journalist Wael Jabir, as transcribed by Inside Futbol, UAE Pro League outfit Sharjah FC are heavily pursuing a deal for Leeds United target Matheus Pereira.
The report claims that they are in talks with West Brom over a potential swoop for the Brazilian playmaker, although it remains to be seen if they are willing to meet the Championship side's valuation. Leeds have been linked with a swoop for the former Sporting man, alongside Leicester and West Ham.
Upgrade on Harrison
Leeds must now act quickly to strike a deal for Pereira this summer. Sharjah are showing that they are serious about a swoop for the midfielder by entering into negotiations with West Brom and that puts the Lillywhites on the backfoot.
Therefore, Victor Orta must pounce now to avoid missing out on the Brazilian, as Sharjah could have a clean run to his signature unless Leeds act swiftly.
If the Whites chief could get a move over the line for Pereira, it could be an incredible piece of business for the club ahead of next season. He would be an upgrade on Jack Harrison out wide and provide some added firepower and creativity to Bielsa's side in the wide areas. That is not to say Harrison should be shipped out or instantly dropped out of the XI, but Pereira could eventually get into the team and be the regular starter with the ex-Man City man providing quality back-up.
Ex-Leeds forward Noel Whelan recently said that Pereira would be a brilliant addition to Bielsa's squad as he lavished praise on the "fantastic" attacker.
"It is a mouth-watering prospect. We missed out on certain players last season, and this is a player that excites everybody. I would definitely take him all day long.
"He’s a fantastic player, he’s great on the ball, he can turn people inside out. Pereira’s another option we can use right across that front three and maybe in a number 10 role as well. He’s the right age and he’s the sort of player we should be looking at. Imagine, if you put him alongside Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison etc, that’s pretty formidable."
The £39k-per-week gem provided 11 goals and six assists in 30 starts for West Brom as they were relegated back down to the Championship. Harrison meanwhile, contributed with eight goals and eight assists for Leeds in the Premier League.
On paper, this appears to suggest the Baggies man is marginally better than Harrison, but when you factor in that Leeds racked up 33 more points than West Brom last season, it paints a different picture.
Imagine what Pereira could do when playing in a team on the front foot and attacking teams, rather than losing week-in-week-out and scraping for draws.
He could flourish in a team playing with confidence and improve upon what Harrison has been able to give the side.
Leeds need to get a move on and get this deal done.
AND in other news, Time to go: Bielsa must ruthlessly axe Leeds flop who doesn't work "hard enough"...