Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has been handed a major boost in his hopes of signing Brest left-back Romain Perraud this summer.

What's the story?

According to previous reports from The Athletic's Phil Hay, the Whites were eyeing a summer transfer move for the 23-year-old, before The Mirror's David Anderson poured cold water on that suggestion by claiming recently that Bielsa's side had actually moved on from their chase of Perraud, and that the Yorkshire club were "no longer trying to sign" him.

That was then followed up by reports from Football Insider that Leeds had actually pulled out of negotiations with the Ligue 1 club over the high price involved.

However, according to French publication L'Equipe (via Get French Football News), the Whites are actually in talks with Brest over a deal for Perraud, although they are set to face significant competition from the likes of Newcastle and Southampton.

Fans will be buzzing

What an incredible turn of events this is, following Hay's initial suggestion that Perraud was a summer transfer target for Leeds, to the reports that Bielsa's side had pulled out of a potential deal, and now the fresh twist that they're actually still in touch with Brest.

Given just how impressive the 23-year-old was last season in Ligue 1, it's no surprise that the Whites appear to have come back to the negotiating table to try and strike a deal.

Writing a profile piece for The Athletic, Hay said: "Perraud, 23, played for France up to under-20s level and his performance data shows characteristics which would meet Bielsa requirements: a creative edge and a high number of dribbles and shots for a player at his position, combined with a very active role in pressing defensively."

As per WhoScored, Perraud outshone Gjanni Alioski in numerous key categories both offensively and defensively last season, averaging more interceptions, key passes, shots, dribbles and crosses, while also being dribbled past only half as often as the Leeds full-back.

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News that Leeds are back in for one of their prime transfer targets this summer will surely be music to the ears of Bielsa and the club's fans, who must be absolutely buzzing at the latest update.

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