Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani met with Inter Milan board members on Friday to discuss a potential late window swoop for Nerazzurri striker Facundo Colidio, according to FC Inter News.
Marcelo Bielsa is believed to be a big admirer of the 19-year-old forward, who joined Inter’s youth ranks in 2017 from Argentinean side Boca Juniors for an alleged €6million (£5.4m).
The former Argentina Under 20 international is yet to make his first-team breakthrough at the San Siro, but had been promoted to the Nerazzurri’s senior squad by new boss Antonio Conte earlier this summer, after striking twelve goals in 31 games last season.
Colidio’s best numbers were achieved in the UEFA Youth League, where the teenager found the net once in each of his five appearances, including his side’s defeat to FC Barcelona, and their two meetings with Tottenham Hotspur.
Rafaela-born Colidio also provided six assists across all competitions, with five of his 31 appearances coming on the left-wing – returning three of his personal strikes and one of his assists.
Newcastle United are also interested in the 5 ft 8 centre-forward, and would intend to use the attraction of Premier League football should they increase their advances ahead of next Thursday’s Deadline Day.
A move to Tyneside could see Colidio offered a back-up role to the Magpies’ new signing Joelinton, as the North East outfit are thin on strikers ahead of the new season.
We, too, are set to take up the new Championship campaign with limited attacking numbers, and could soon part ways with Kemar Roofe after serious interest emerged from RSC Anderlecht.
Colidio would not be a direct replacement for the Walsall-born striker who ended the 2018/19 campaign as our top ‘scorer, though, as the Argentinean hitman would arrive at Elland Road to occupy a spot on the bench, likely as Patrick Bamford’s understudy.
Signing Colidio would also require more than the alleged money requested for 2020-free agent Roofe, as Inter value their youth prospect in the region of €8m and €10million (£7.3m and £9.1m) after opting against ruling out his exit.
A further hurdle could yet emerge ahead of the summer market slamming shut, as it is not currently noted if Colidio is in possession of a European passport, which would likely be needed in order for him to obtain a UK work permit.