Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa plots summer transfer move for ‘next Benjamin Mendy’
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is considering a summer transfer move for non-league left-back Samuel Oguntayo, who has been likened to Manchester City star Benjamin Mendy, as Elland Road chiefs prepare for a big few months of spending.
Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa reacts to win against Hull City
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is interested in signing Samuel Oguntayo from non-league side Kingstonian. The full-back has drawn attention from a number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester City and Crystal Palace.
Leeds news: Marcelo Bielsa plots transfer move for 'next Man City star Benjamin Mendy' (Image: GETTY Images/Kingstonian FC)
The left-back, who can also operate on the right, has attracted attention for his superb performances in the Isthmian Premier League.
He plays for 10th-placed Kingstonian, and was watched by Premier League scouts in their 4-2 defeat against Cheshunt on Wednesday.
Leeds already have three left-backs in their squad, hinting that Bielsa may be interested in Oguntayo as a long-term replacement for one of his current players.
But, the Whites boss faces stiff competition from Crystal Palace, Watford and Man City.
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Palace are reportedly leading the race to sign the 17-year-old.
He has accepted an offer to train with the Palace Under-23s, as Roy Hodgson’s side invest in their south London academy.
Meanwhile, Leeds have been backed by owner Andrea Radrizzani to improve the overall quality of the team this summer.
Bielsa's side looked increasingly likely to gain promotion to the Premier League, before the EFL suspended matches.
Leeds news: The Whites were seven points clear of the play-off places before the EFL suspension (Image: GETTY Images)
“But, the manager has to oversee that and the correct players are out there, that fits his mould, his squad and his way.
“At this moment in time, they can't improve. They're at the top of the league, and rightly so.
“Them and West Brom have been the best teams and they've just got to try and continue to get over the line because of the amount of pressure they've got.
“If they can just get over the line then they can look to build in the summer.”