Matej Vydra during his time at Derby County. (Getty Images)
It hasn’t exactly panned out the way Leeds United fans were hoping the summer transfer window to be following the high-profile appointment of Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds weren’t overly impressive last season and former Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom departed at the end of the season following just four months in charge of the club. Heckingbottom was replaced by Bielsa, with the club showing their desire and ambition to compete for the Championship title.
However, things haven’t gone smoothly for the Elland Road outfit as owner Andrea Radrizzani has found it difficult to negotiate deals this summer. Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman and midfielder Lewis Baker have both arrived on season-long loan deals from Chelsea but so far this summer, they are the only additions to Bielsa’s squad.
Leeds are interested in a few players as Bielsa looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign, with the first game not too far away.
The West Yorkshire-based outfit have been interested in Derby County striker Matej Vydra for some time now but the deal has stalled due to various problems. However, there looks to be a breakthrough as Leeds are reportedly set to sign Vydra from Derby for £11million.
Vydra, 26, scored 21 goals for the Rams last season as he won the Championship’s Golden Boot award. There is no doubt about the Czech’s quality when it comes to scoring goals in the Championship and Bielsa would be breathing a huge sigh of relief after finding some movement in the discussions for the striker.
The arrival of Vydra would give Leeds a massive boost in their aspirations for automatic promotion to the Premier League next season.
Meanwhile, Vydra may not be the only one to arrive, with Barry Douglas’ transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers done. A £3m deal has been agreed between the two clubs.
Douglas, 28, was exceptional for Wolves in their title-winning campaign last season, contributing with 5 goals and 14 assists in 42 Championship appearances. By doing so, the one-time Scotland international established himself as one of the very best defenders in the Championship.
Tom Pearce is a good option for Leeds on the left but Douglas would be such a thrilling addition to Bielsa’s squad, which would also represent a massive coup ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
Read more: Go for it Bielsa – This upcoming Bulgarian starlet could be a wonderful addition for Leeds United
Signing both Vydra and Douglas ahead of the opening game against Stoke City would be a huge statement of intent from Leeds. Their arrival would also indicate the pulling power that Bielsa possesses and why Leeds went one step further by appointing him.
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