Leeds told to sign Portugese star after ‘eight-figure’ transfer claim – McLeish
Alex McLeish has urged Leeds United to follow Wolves’ transfer strategy in order to save money in the transfer market.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Whites need to be scouring foreign markets to bring in “flair and quality” for a decent price.
Writing in his programme notes, as detailed by the Yorkshire Evening Post (22 January), Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear stated it would take an “eight-figure investment” to sign many of the players available in January.
He insisted such players would “not be a material improvement” on the current options at Elland Road.
Kinnear also claimed new signings this month would block the development of Leeds’ youngsters and not offer the same long-term potential.
However, McLeish suggested Leeds should follow in Wolves’ footsteps and recruit “very gifted” talent who could strengthen their starting XI.
Discussing whether Leeds need to splash the cash this month, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It just depends on the quality of the player that comes in.
“One of the best bits of business I’ve seen over the last four, five years, maybe a wee bit more, was what Wolves did.
“Bringing in the very gifted Portuguese players. They are so good about the midfield.
“Leeds should be signing one or two of these sort of Portugese players. There’s got to be players (out there), if not in our country.
“If our country is too expensive, there’s definitely a lot of flair and quality in countries abroad at lesser prices.”
Since 2017, Wolves have recruited Portuguese stars such as Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota, Joao Moutinho and Rui Patricio.
Leeds are still yet to make a senior signing ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
In other news, pundit names likely winner in Leeds United race to sign Championship star.