Leeds transfer news: Eight-figure update in Erick Pulgar pursuit, Rivals join race for in-form striker

The Whites went fairly big with their recruitment drive over the summer, and a comparatively conservative January was always going to be on the cards.

One name that has repeatedly been linked to Elland Road, however, is that of Fiorentina’s Chilean international Erick Pulgar.

Reports in Italy have seemingly been on a mission to hype up the prospect of a swoop from Marcelo Bielsa’s men this month, and a new update from Calcio Mercato gives us an interesting idea of how much Leeds will have to pay if they do decide on moving for the player.

The Italian publication suggests that the Whites would be willing to cough up around £22.3 million for the 27-year-old, but they aren’t the only side in the running for his signature.

Sevilla are also named as potential suitors, and there could be a bit of a tussle for Pulgar in the coming weeks, if reports are to be believed.

Whether Bielsa would feel it necessary to spend such a hefty amount of money to reinforce a position in which Kalvin Phillips has established himself as the undoubted first choice at Elland Road remains to be seen, but on paper, at least, Pulgar looks to be a real talent.

The South American has an average pass completion rate that is 3.6% higher than the England international’s, while his long pass completion rate in particular is 14.9% higher, as per Wyscout.

Defensively, he has made the exact same number of interceptions per game as Phillips this term, while his total action success rate per 90 minutes is 4.3% higher.

If Bielsa is looking for cover and competition in the centre of the park, he could do far worse than Pulgar.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace have joined Leeds in the race to sign Mainz hitman Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to the Independent.

The 23-year-old has hit 10 goals in 17 matches for the German outfit this season, and his goals per game average is 0.16 higher than the in-form Patrick Bamford, while his shot accuracy rate is exactly 10% higher than the Elland Road ace’s.

Here are some of the best of the other Premier League rumours doing the rounds this lunchtime: