Leeds United Transfer News: Leeds To Swoop For Shaqiri?

After the disappointing Leeds United transfer news regarding Michael Cuisance’s move, Whites fans will be relieved to hear that Xherdan Shaqiri is a possible target.

When one door closes, another opens and reports suggest that Leeds are interested in the wantaway Liverpool winger.

Shaqiri was left out of Liverpool’s squad for Thursday’s Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal and the Switzerland midfielder may be deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Undoubtedly, the 28-year-old has slipped down the pecking order at Liverpool, with injuries and tough competition limiting him to just 42 appearances at the club since 2018.

Football outlet Goal claim that two unnamed clubs are in talks over Shaqiri, with Liverpool looking for a fee of around £20 million to seal the deal.

Leeds are lacking Premier League experience throughout the squad and Shaqiri would tick that particular box, as well as bringing creative quality to Elland Road.

With the Cuisance transfer falling through, Leeds could swoop for Shaqiri before Monday’s transfer deadline – providing they are willing to match Liverpool’s valuation.

Leeds have just four players with previous Premier League experience and Shaqiri could be as influential off the pitch as he is on it.

The Whites may have missed out on their main midfield target but Shaqiri can help Leeds to build for a long and successful future in England’s top division.

Leeds Consider Raid For Cagliari Star

Nahitan Nandez has been linked with a move to Leeds United for some time now but new reports suggest that the Whites could finally get their man in the coming days.

According to Sport Witness, reports in Italy state that there are ‘contacts in progress’ for a switch before the end of the summer transfer window.

Cagliari’s sporting director Pierluigi Carta has claimed that the club will not be able to reject a significant bid for any player, revealing: “I don’t want to be a hypocrite, if important offers arrive, you can’t refuse them. But the transfer market thrives on balance.”

Marcelo Bielsa is reportedly very fond of Nandez and the Leeds manager is likely to push for the Elland Road hierarchy to sanction a huge bid for the Cagliari midfielder.

According to Centrotentuno, the Serie A side have already rejected an offer from Leeds but Whites owner Andrea Radrizzani is friends with the higher ups at Cagliari and he could be influential in a potential deal.

Obviously, friendship can mean little when it comes to transfer business but Radrizzani may be able to tempt Cagliari to consider a slightly lesser fee.

Leeds fans will be following developments closely over the weekend as deadline day edges closer. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the Whites try one last time to acquire Nandez before the October window slams shut.

Credit for the main photo belongs to Oli Scarff / Pool via AP*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 2nd October 2020