Report: Leeds keeping close eye on 53-cap winger, Pochettino once said his team 'couldn't handle' him

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Leeds United are bracing themselves for life without Raphinha in the coming weeks.

The Whites forward has been linked with a move away from Elland Road for most of the summer so far.

Now, Raphinha is apparently closing in on a move to Chelsea. This means Leeds will have to find a replacement.

RMC Sport has today reported on interest from the Whites in one of Ligue 1’s top attacking talents.

The French outlet – via Sport Witness – claims Leeds are keeping a close eye on Nantes forward Moses Simon.

The Nigeria international is ‘attracting interest’ after his performances last season.

And Leeds are apparently one of those who are keen on him.

Nantes chief Franck Kita has also admitted they’ll sell Simon ‘if there are very interesting offers’ on the table for him.

However, Leeds will need to move quick if they want the 26-year-old, as Lens have apparently agreed a deal with him.

“He puts the team first”

Simon would be a good shout for Leeds, a top attacking talent with plenty of top-level experience under his belt.

He has registered close to 300 club appearances, plus 53 caps for Nigeria, including at the Africa Cup of Nations.

In addition, Simon has five trophy victories on his CV, including the 2021-22 French Cup.

In terms of individual appearances, he shone in February’s 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain.

“We had chances to salvage something from the game which we didn’t take,” Own Goal Nigeria quotes Mauricio Pochettino as saying.

“And we didn’t handle the left side of their attack like we should. Simon had so much that we didn’t handle properly.”

Likewise, Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr lauded Simon at the Africa Cup of Nations this year.

“When I was coach, a lot of people wanted me to drop him, but he is very important to my team,” Rohr said on Canal Plus TV, via today.ng.

“He puts the team first and plays for all with ease.

“I love his attitude on the pitch and he’s a perfect gentleman off the pitch. I never doubted him.”