Valencia have reportedly opened talks with Leeds United over the signing of Portuguese winger Hélder Costa. According to Sky Sports News, the La Liga club have made the former Benfica man a priority signing before the deadline.
Costa is likely to slip down the pecking order at Elland Road following the imminent arrival of Daniel James from Manchester United, meaning Marcelo Bielsa is expected to be open to the idea of a departure for the 27-year-old.
Valencia Looking to Sign Hélder Costa on Deadline Day
Opportunities at Leeds United to Come at a Premium
Leeds boss Bielsa has been tracking Manchester United’s Daniel James for some time, even after his transfer to Old Trafford from Swansea City in 2019.
Before that, it had looked at one stage as if James would join Leeds, but the move collapsed. Bielsa will be delighted to have finally got his man. The Argentine manager views the Welshman as a perfect fit in his style of play, meaning James is likely to slot right into Bielsea’s main starting 11 after the international break.
As such, opportunities would be further restricted for Costa if he were to stay put at Elland Road. The winger, who has one cap for the Portuguese national team, has made one substitute appearance in the league this season.
Last season, Costa was more involved under Bielsea. In Leeds’ first season back in the top-flight following their promotion, he made 22 appearances, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
Valencia’s Busy Summer Transfer Window
If Hélder Costa does move to Valencia, it will continue a busy summer period for the Spanish side in the transfer market. Five senior players have been brought to the club by manager José Bordalás, with Brazilian centre-forward Marcos André, signed from Real Valladolid, the most high-profile.
Valencia have also been busy in terms of departures. Eight first-team players, including former Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala, have left the club this summer as Bordalás shapes his squad.
Heading into the first international break of the season, Valencia sit level on points with league leaders Real Madrid, having won two and drawn one of their opening three games.
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