Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is now eyeing a move for Barcelona star Junior Firpo in the summer transfer window.

What's the story?

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the Whites are named among a number of clubs interested in signing the Spanish full-back this summer, with fellow Premier League sides West Ham and Southampton also said to be in contention.

The report added that Barcelona have made Firpo aware of Leeds' interest in him, with the defender not averse to the idea of joining them from the Catalan giants.

Tipped for big things

While Firpo may not have had much game-time at Barcelona last season - he played just 18 times in all competitions - there's no questioning that he remains a fine talent at only 24 years of age.

He was once tipped for big things by French defender Eric Abidal, who told Diario Sport (via Tribuna): "He's a player with a lot of potential. He could be one of the best left-backs in the world. I always tell him that he must work hard and be aware of the (style of) play. He's going to get better, for sure. It's always difficult to get started at Barca."

A profile done by Sky Sports in December 2018 revealed: "Standing six feet tall, Firpo has a rangy stride that he uses to power himself down the flank and make infield incursions. He is also no stranger to yellow cards, having picked up four in 13 matches this season.

"Spanish publication Marca describes him as 'effervescent', and he perfectly fits Betis coach Quique Setien's attacking philosophy. He also possesses the versatility to step into a back three on the left."

[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul" title="Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!"]

Playing week-in and week-out could be the key to unlocking the potential that Abidal mentioned, and Firpo could do exactly that at Leeds under Bielsa. The Whites could strike gold with a move for the £17m-rated beast.

Meanwhile, Bielsa can wave goodbye to this flop...