Leeds United have less than two days to complete their summer signings as the Championship transfer window shuts on Thursday.
The Whites seem to have shortlisted two talented players who currently play for Inter Milan – striker Facundo Colidio, and centre-back Ryan Nolan.
Nicolo Shira of Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed that Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is interested in signing both Inter starlets, and that negotiations are ongoing.
Colidio is a 19-year-old striker who plays for Inter Milan Primavera, and was recently linked with a move to Newcastle United. Nolan, on the other hand, is a 20-year-old Irish centre-back who joined the Italian club in 2015 as a 16-year-old.
No details have been given regarding the transfer fee for either of the players; Nolan’s contract with Inter expires next season, while Colidio’s expires in 2023.
Both youngsters are highly-rated, with Nolan even being a part of Inter Milan’s pre-season friendlies, while also featuring on the bench for Inter in the Europa League last season.
Nolan made 42 appearances for Inter’s junior side last season, and has even captained the team on numerous occasions. Colidio played 31 times last season, scoring 12 goals and making 6 assists for the side in the 2018-19 season.
Why Leeds United need both Facundo Colidio and Ryan Nolan
Leeds United have sold two key players from last season – centre-back Pontus Jansson and striker Kemar Roofe, who were the club’s best players in the 2018-19 season.
The Whites have brought in a replacement for Jansson, signing Ben White on loan from Brighton, but they need another centre-back as manager Marcelo Bielsa has only two other experienced options at the heart of defence – captain Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi.
Nolan could be a good signing who could be used as a backup if one of the more experienced defenders gets injured or is suspended. The Irish youngster is very good in the air and reads the game well, while also possessing good strength.
The 20-year old has been praised by coaches for his leadership skills at the back for Inter’s youth teams. His inclusion in Inter’s Europa League and pre-season squad suggests that he has the quality to be a very good player for a Championship side like Leeds.
Colidio is a striker who is agile and strong, and also has good work-rate which makes him a very good fit in Bielsa’s set-up. The 19-year old is a natural in front of goal and has shown that he can find the back of the net on a consistent basis.
With the departure of Roofe, Bielsa has very few options up front apart from striker Patrick Bamford, which makes the signing of Colidio an important one.