Leeds should sign West Brom star Matheus Pereira to replace midfielder Pablo Hernandez, according to Alex McLeish.
Hernandez will leave Leeds in June after five exceptional years at Elland Road.
He made 175 appearances for the Whites in all competitions and scored some of their most important goals on their route back to the Premier League.
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Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa operated with Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich in midfield for much of the campaign.
They were brilliant throughout 2020/21, but Leeds are expected to enter the transfer market this summer to find an attacking midfielder who can play just in front of the pair.
McLeish reckons Pereira is the man to fill Hernandez’s boots.
Speaking about the 25-year-old Brazilian, he said: “Absolutely brilliant. A very technical player and I think it would be a great acquisition that I can see happening.
“You would think he would be very much available due to the fact West Brom are in the Championship now.
“Nobody wants to be likened to somebody else. You want to be your own man. Pablo has had a fantastic career but he is getting to an age where the legs are affected a wee bit.
“That can be very visible at times. It is right you get a new pretender. A new kid on the block continuing the marvellous work he has done. Also, adding to Leeds’ terrific entertainment levels.”
Pereira notched 11 goals in 33 Premier League games this season, although his efforts weren’t enough to keep the Baggies in the top flight.
Recent reports suggest his agent is already looking at an exit from The Hawthorns, with multiple top clubs vying for his services.
Pereira appeared comfortable competing in the Prem and would likely suit Bielsa’s attacking style.
One alternative to Pereira is Rodrigo De Paul. The 27-year-old is Udinese’s main man, having registered nine goals and ten assists during their Serie A campaign.
De Paul has also caught the attention of Liverpool, which means a transfer race could begin this summer.
Udinese might be forced into a sale due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their finances.
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