Leeds United were recently linked with a move for Braga’s centre back Bruno Viana and reports from Leeds Live conveyed that the defender can cost somewhere between £8-10m. However, latest reports from Portuguese media outlet ABola indicates that the club president Antonio Salvador is unlikely to sell for anything less than £13m. The defender was signed just last season by Braga, and one can understand why they are placing such a hefty price tag on him.
The report also mentions that Viana’s release clause is set at £23m, and clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers, Watford and Serie A outfit Lazio are interested in him. The defender has emerged as one of the best centre backs in the Primeira Liga, and the Brazilian has played a massive role for his side in the heart of the defence.
Chances of Leeds United signing him?
Given the price tag which has been quoted now, Leed United will definitely need to move to the Premier League to sign the Brazilian defender. The Whites are currently in a see-saw battle with Sheffield United for the coveted second spot, and things can go either way as the West Yorkshire outfit are currently one point ahead of their main rivals.
Wolves, Leicester City and Watford have emerged as top half Premier League teams this season, and they should be able to beat a side like Leeds United in the transfer market if they desperately want the player. Lazio, on the other hand, can get into the Europa League so they also have the ability to pull off the transfer.
What now for Bielsa?
Viana definitely looks like a solid option at the back, and he seems to have everything to his game that a top defender needs. The Whites will need to sign a centre half if they move to the Premier League as they have relied on Kalvin Phillips to fill in the centre back role on occasions. The defensive midfielder has filled in well when required, but the club would be better off having a specialist option in their ranks.
However, any transfer plans for Leeds United could be on hold at the moment given the uncertainty about which division they might end up playing in the next season. Therefore their other rivals can take advantage and swoop in for the defender in the meantime. The Whites need to get to the Premier League first before they can think of pulling off some major coups in the transfer market.
