The Argentine’s future dominated the headlines over the weekend following Andrea Radrizanni’s interview with CBS Sports.
Ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Southampton, Bielsa addressed his future – and it appears he is open to staying at Elland Road.
“I don’t imagine for my professional future, (there is) anything better than what Leeds represent as a job,” Bielsa said.
“Given how the club is and the principles they have, due to the public, the stadium, the Premier League, the fans, the project the club is undertaking, the knowledge I have of the club and the people here – I feel integrated with the city and also this region in England and also what surrounds it, Yorkshire.
“I value the people who surround me.”
It is understood Bielsa and director of football Victor Orta have been in dialogue over potential signings this summer – and yet more names are cropping up in the rumour mill.
As per Football Insider, Leeds are ready to join the race for Lille’s Boubakary Soumare, one of two “top-quality central midfielders” they are targeting in order to provide competition for Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich.
The 21-year-old turned down the opportunity to move to England with Newcastle United in January 2020, despite the North East club having a £35million bid accepted.
Soumare has stayed with Lille ever since and his stock has continued to rise with Leicester City also hoping to sign the Frenchman.
Meanwhile, there is a bizarre report from Italy over a potential swap deal involving Rodrigo and Douglas Costa.
According to Calciomercatoweb, Juventus could ask for Rodrigo in exchange for Costa, if Leeds act on their apparent interest in the Brazilian.
Costa, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, is valued at around £23million, so a potential swap deal, according to the report, “would be ideal for everyone from an economic point of view and also from the technical point of view”.
Taking it at face value, it seems very unlikely Leeds would part company with their record signing, less than 12 months after bringing him to Elland Road.
Here are the latest transfer headlines from Leeds and their Premier League rivals:
1. Clubs eye Aguero
Sergio Aguero is a target for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Inter Milan with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. City’s record goalscorer is yet to open talks over a new deal. (Daily Mirror) Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
2. Ancelotti set for spending spree
Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is planning to back Carlo Ancelotti heavily in the summer transfer window. That is likely to mean a transfer kitty of around £100million. (Football Insider) Photo: PAUL ELLIS
3. Doubts over Doherty's future
Matt Doherty's future at Tottenham Hotspur is in doubt with manager Jose Mourinho harbouring doubts over the defender's ability to succeed at the club. The full-back joined Spurs for £15million last summer. (ESPN) Photo: Pool
4. PSG ready to reignite Bellerin interest
Paris Saint-Germain are ready to renew their interest in Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin over the summer. The French giants offered £30million at the start of last season but failed to meet the Gunners’ £43m asking price. (CBS Sports) Photo: ADAM DAVY
5. Liverpool and Man Utd join En-Nesyri race
Liverpool and Manchester United have been asked to be kept informed over Youssef En-Nesyri’s future at Sevilla as the Spanish club look to tie down the West Ham target down to a new contract. (90min) Photo: ANDER GILLENEA
6. Henderson considers Man Utd exit
Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson will ask to leave Old Trafford this summer if he continues to play second fiddle to David de Gea. Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham have expressed interest in Henderson. (Manchester Evening News) Photo: OLI SCARFF