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Leeds United: Whites lining up swoop for Argentine
Leeds United are weighing up another possible South American import after securing Argentinian striker Mariano Tripodi on trial.
The Brazil-based forward, 22, was due to arrive in England today and has agreed through his agent to complete a 10-day spell at Thorp Arch with a view to signing for Leeds on loan.
United struck gold 12 months ago when they handed a trial to Argentine Luciano Becchio, pictured above, who went on to win a three-year contract and score 19 goals for Leeds last season, and the club's scouting staff hope they have uncovered another gem in Tripodi.
He is travelling to Britain from Brazilian club Atletico Miniero, and his CV lists previous spells with Santos and German Bundesliga outfit FC Cologne.
Like compatriot Becchio, Tripodi emerged as a youngster with renowned Argentinian club Boca Juniors, the club he left to join Cologne in 2006. The transfer to Germany – his first experience of European football – was facilitated by his possession of an Italian passport.
Tripodi made only one appearance for Cologne's senior team and returned to his homeland in 2007. He was signed by Santos the following year and has since completed spells with Vitoria and Miniero.
His Italian passport would allow him to move to England freely were Leeds to follow up their interest, sparing him the uncertain process of applying for a work permit, and Tripodi will be assessed by United's coaching staff during the coming week and a half.
United's decision to cast their eye over Becchio last year paid off handsomely as the powerful striker provided the perfect foil for Jermaine Beckford, the club's leading scorer.
Leeds took Becchio on trial from Spanish lower-league club Merida UD before signing him for an undisclosed fee. The forward finished his first campaign in England as United's second leading scorer, one short of a 20-goal haul.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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