Leeds United are in the market for a goalkeeper this month, with Illan Meslier set to depart.
Daniel Farke and the 49ers will be well aware of needing quality for Leeds United in both boxes next season, which means a reliable and consistent shot-stopper.
Therefore, Olympique Lyonnais’ Lucas Perri could be an exciting addition with the Lyon stopper a potential alternative to Nick Pope.
Perri’s favourite squad number is available at Leeds if they wish to use that as a selling point in the negotiations phase of the deal.
Lucas Perri claps his hands during Lyon vs Manchester United.
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Leeds target Lucas Perri closes in on Premier League switch
Initial reports stated that Leeds are keen on priority Perri in a £12.8 million deal this summer. However, a ‘concrete approach’ had not been made yet, with Monaco and Neom SC also said to be watching Perri.
That might now have changed as Perri is one of six targets expected to have interest ramped up in during these vital weeks ahead of pre-season training starting and with friendlies also lined up.
Despite Graeme Bailey telling Leeds United News that he doesn’t expect Leeds to sign Perri, the latest could have now changed that development.
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According to L’Equipe via GFFN, Perri is expected to make a €23 million (£20 million) move to the Premier League in the coming days amid interest from Leeds.
Currently, Leeds are the only known club with interest, which makes Leeds the likeliest switch for the 27-year-old Brazilian.
Crystal Palace v Watford FC - Premier League
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What Roy Hodgson has previously said about Lucas Perri
During the 2018/19 season, Perri, aged just 21, went on loan to Crystal Palace. However, the now 27-year-old failed to play a single game in all competitions before joining Lyon from Botafogo in January of last year.
That said, Perri impressed Roy Hodgson during the loan, with the former Liverpool and England boss in charge of the Eagles during Perri’s loan. He praised the Brazilian while the duo worked together at Selhurst Park back in 2018.
“He’s been very, very good, but the fact is it’s not going to be a moment where I would look past (Wayne) Hennessey and (Julian) Speroni to give him a game,” Hodgson told the South London press, as per HITC.
It’s fair to say he has developed into a better and more rounded goalkeeper since then, with Perri one of the most impressive in Europe in recent years. He has also been called up to the Brazil side on numerous occasions, too.