Leeds can sign bargain in Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez

Leeds United could clinch a transfer bargain this summer by making a move for Real Madrid star Lucas Vazquez.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are one of a number of sides interested in signing the 9-cap Spain international this summer, with the winger’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu set to expire come the end of the season.

Now, Spanish publication Sport (via Sport Witness), have delivered an update on his situation, revealing the nature of his summer demands.

It’s suggested that Vazquez is looking for €3m (£2.6m) a year – a number which will be after tax. It’s added that “the player is clear” with his demands and that if Madrid don’t offer that amount then he will have no problems looking elsewhere.

Bye-bye Helder Costa

Despite only signing on a permanent deal from Wolves last summer, it appears the writing is already on the wall for Helder Costa’s long-term future at Elland Road.

Reports recently have claimed that the Whites are willing to listen to offers for the Portuguese ace, and see him as someone who could be sold to raise some cash for reinforcements.

Selling Costa for a chunk of money would more than pay for the wages of Vazquez – there would obviously be no transfer fee involved given it the Spaniard would arrive as a free agent – and it would be absolute bargain for Victor Orta.

Should Leeds sell Helder Costa?

Yes!

No!

No!

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has waxed lyrical about the winger and what he brings to the table, and it’s surely music to the ears of Bielsa.

Speaking after a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo earlier this year, the French icon said: “What he’s doing right now doesn’t surprise us. Not only do I like him, we all like him because he is always on the job and reliable. He always gives everything on the pitch and we appreciate that. I congratulate him.”

Vazquez’s reliability and work-rate is something Bielsa will surely love given how he wants his teams to play with intensity, and add that to the fact he would arrive for virtually nothing, Leeds could strike gold with a move this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds must unleash this academy starlet who’s like Raphinha…