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:
7. Bruce's job is safe
Newcastle United are not considering sacking head coach Steve Bruce, despite the club sitting just three points outside the relegation zone. Mike Ashley remains 'hands-off' when it comes to decision-making at St James’s Park. (Daily Telegraph) Photo: STU FORSTER
8. Dragusin update
Juventus are “cautiously optimistic” that Magpies target Radu Dragusin will sign a new contract with the club amid interest from elsewhere in Europe - including Tottenham, Leicester City and RB Leipzig. (Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness) Photo: Chris Ricco
9. Leeds join Soumare race
Leeds United are ready to join Leicester City in the race for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare. The 21-year-old turned down a £35million move to Newcastle United in January 2020. (Football Insider) Photo: ROMAIN LAFABREGUE
10. Costa and Rodrigo swap deal?
Juventus could ask for Rodrigo in exchange for Douglas Costa, should Leeds launch a summer move for the Brazillian, who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich. Costa is valued at around £23million. (Calciomercato via HITC) Photo: Stuart Franklin