Leeds United transfer target Noni Madueke would represent a massive upgrade on Helder Costa amid speculation over a summer move to Elland Road.

What's the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa's side have reignited their interest in the PSV Eindhoven winger after some third-party discussions, with the Whites given encouragement that the Dutch outfit will lower their asking price.

Football Insider's report stated: "United are looking at the England Under-21 international as they look to recruit a wide attacker capable of competing for a first-team slot in Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Far better than Helder Costa

With nine goals and eight assists in all competitions last season, Madueke really took his game to another level with PSV in 2020/21, so much so that he earned a call-up to the England under-21 setup, where then-manager Aidy Boothroyd talked up his potential.

The 50-year-old said: "He's certainly a very talented young man, really excited to be called up by the Under 21s, and a little bit like Phil (Foden) last time, nobody had really heard of him until he came and played in the tournament.

"They knew a little bit about him but that set him off on a trajectory and we're hoping Noni can create even more positive attention for the way that they play."

Roger Schmidt, his manager at club level, has been equally effusive in his praise of the 1.82m (6 foot) winger, saying: "He is able to read situations, get to the right positions and be in the right place. He has a good sense of that, with his timing, and, technically, he has the skills when one-on-one."

Costa, on the other hand, showed virtually nothing last season to suggest he'll be a key player for Bielsa going forward, managing just three goals all term.

Not only did Madueke triple that number of goals, doing the same in terms of assists, but his key attacking metrics were all far better than Costa's as well.

As per Whoscored, the PSV starlet averaged more shots, key passes, dribbles and crosses per game, while also recording more passes per match at a far better pass accuracy than Costa.

While Madueke's stats have to be tempered due to him playing in the Eredivisie, there's no questioning that he's someone who takes responsibility for his team and is always looking to try and make things happen, which is more than be said for Costa.

It's no surprise that Leeds are eyeing a move for the young English starlet, who it seems would be a huge upgrade on Costa at Elland Road.

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