Phillips shares exciting De Paul verdict after Leeds transfer update
Kevin Phillips claims Rodrigo De Paul could be a typical Leeds United player after posting posting brilliant stats in Serie A this season.
The Sunderland legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claims the Udinese midfielder will have been studied by Marcelo Bielsa.
In early May, Football Insider revealed Leeds have continued to closely monitor De Paul’s situation and he is one of their top targets.
It is understood Leeds are confident they can sign De Paul for less than Udinese’s 2020 valuation of £37million.
De Paul, 26, recently told The Athletic that “it’s not easy to leave” Udinese when asked about his future.
The midfielder picked up nine goals and 10 assists in the Seria A this year as his side finished 14th.
In Serie A this season, only Junior Messias (297) has completed more dribbles than De Paul (260) and Phillips claims this could make him a good signing for Leeds. [Wyscout]
“He sounds like a typical Leeds player,” Phillips told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs.
“They have had players like Raphinha and Jack Harrison this year and they can dribble with it.
“Again, when players like that are linked, Bielsa will have watched him, studied him.
“He can score goals but the big thing is he can assist and dribble. It wouldn’t surprise me if his work rate is very good.
“That could turn out to be a good singing.”
Leeds were heavily linked with De Paul last summer but he remained an Udinese player.
The Whites rounded off their first season back in the top flight with a 3-1 win over West Brom on Sunday.
In other news, Leeds United are braced for “huge” bids for “phenomenon” who has missed two-thirds of the season.