Report: Leeds-linked ‘exceptional’ midfielder eyed by French club, £1.4m loan fee with £28m option to buy

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Leeds United have been linked with Florentino Luis for a number of months now, but concrete interest in the Benfica midfielder from other suitors seems to be increasing.

According to a Tuttomercatoweb report from late July, Leeds had held talks with Florentino’s agent as they looked to beat AC Milan to his signature.

The same outlet has now claimed that Elland Road still maintains interest in the 20-year-old, but fellow Premier League newcomers Fulham have also joined the race.

Football Italia reported on Thursday that negotiations with the two English clubs have failed to yield a breakthrough, their proposals consisting of a loan with option to buy for €21m to 25m (£19.5m to £23m).

And Tuttomercatoweb has now reported that French Ligue 1 side Monaco have now made Benfica an offer for Florentino, consisting of a €1.5m (£1.4m) loan fee with a €30m (£28m) option to buy.

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Florentino has enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season at Benfica last time out, making 18 appearances in all competitions including two in the Champions League against Lyon.

Nicknamed “O Polvo” – The Octopus – for how he covers ground and wins loose balls in midfield, he was a key part of the Portugal team that won the European Under-17 Championship in 2016 and European Under-19 Championship in 2018.

Former Benfica coach Joao Tralhao previously told Bernabeu Digital: “Florentino is a young player who has exceptional talent. From very early on, we realized that Florentino was on the road to becoming an elite player… I see Florentino as a logical option (for Real Madrid).”

Leeds signing Florentino would certainly ease the burden on Kalvin Phillips in terms of dictating play at number six, and given just how many plaudits he’s received, he would no doubt be a wonderful addition for Bielsa to work with – but the Whites need to step it up as he looks like a wanted man.