Leeds United's Vieira lands in Italy as Sampdoria push to secure his signature

Ronaldo Vieira has arrived in Italy for talks with Sampdoria in a development which could signal the end of his short career at Leeds United.
Leeds United midfielder Ronaldo Vieira, on England Under-21 duty this summer.Leeds United midfielder Ronaldo Vieira, on England Under-21 duty this summer.
Leeds United midfielder Ronaldo Vieira, on England Under-21 duty this summer.

Vieira was pictured at Genoa airport tonight amid reports in the Italian media that Sampdoria are planning for him to undergo a medical in the morning.

The Serie A club are ready to pay in the region of £7m for the midfielder after stepping in with a successful offer over the weekend.

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Vieira has been on the fringes of Marcelo Bielsa’s plans this summer, prompting Leeds to give accept Sampdoria’s bid.

The 20-year-old is not believed to have asked for a move away from Elland Road but a switch to the Italian leagues looks increasingly likely following his arrival in Italy this evening.

Vieira, who turned professional with United in 2016, is just one year into the four-year deal he signed last summer but the England Under-21 international has failed to establish himself at the forefront of Bielsa’s plans.

He was given a 45-minute run-out in Sunday’s friendly against Las Palmas but had previously featured with development-squad players during pre-season. His time at Leeds has been affected by tendonitis in one knee but Sampdoria appear set on securing his signature.

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Their bid for Vieira comes with Leeds about to pay £7m to take striker Patrick Bamford from Middlesbrough. Bamford is expected to seal his transfer to Elland Road on Tuesday having been put through a medical in the past 24 hours.