Would Leeds signing Douglas Costa become more likely with Allegri appointment?

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While Leeds United fans may not want to consider what life after Marcelo Bielsa looks like, it appears that the board are doing the sensible thing and considering his potential successor.

And it seems that they are prepared to really push the boat out when the time comes. The Times reported recently that an approach has been made for Max Allegri.

Duncan Castles has since also told The Transfer Window podcast that the Whites have indeed made contact with Allegri. He stated however, that the Italian is not currently interested in heading to Elland Road.

So it would appear that Allegri is an unlikely appointment if a change is required this summer. But if Bielsa stays beyond this season and elevates the Whites further, perhaps it should come as little surprise if Leeds hold out for a different answer further down the line.

If Allegri is one day appointed, it will be fascinating to see which players he can attract to Leeds. But perhaps, there is already one safe bet regarding a possible potential target.

Calciomercato reported earlier this month that Leeds want Douglas Costa. It was suggested that they could now step up their interest ahead of the summer.

Would Allegri welcome reunion with Douglas Costa?

The 30-year-old is currently on loan at Bayern Munich. However, the report noted that he is unlikely to stay with the Bavarian giants beyond his loan.

He is a player Allegri knows well. Costa joined Juventus on loan during his tenure. And he did enough to convince the club to part with £34.3 million (€40 million) to sign him permanently in 2018 (fee reported by ESPN).

Admittedly, Costa did not have the best year following his permanent move. And Allegri was incredibly critical after an incident in a game against Sassuolo that led to Costa receiving a suspension for spitting (via Goal).

But he returned to the fold after serving a ban. And Allegri obviously saw enough talent to feel that he was worth spending a huge sum on to keep him permanently.

Calciomercato’s report claimed that he would now cost just £9.5 million. That arguably removes a large amount of the risk attached to trying to sign Costa.

And having worked with the player already, Allegri may perhaps be open to a reunion if there is a future u-turn and he ends up at Leeds.