Leeds United have made contact over the signing of an attacking player who is admired by none other than legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to a new transfer update.

Leeds suffer Paixao transfer blow

There is still plenty of time for the Whites to get some important business over the line this summer, but they have suffered one big blow ahead of their Premier League return next month.

Primary transfer target Igor Paixao has reportedly chosen to move from Feyenoord to Marseille, rather than join Leeds, meaning Daniel Farke will now have to turn his attention to other attacking options instead.

It’s now a case of the Whites finding an ideal alternative option to Paixao, as well as strengthening in other positions, with Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara mentioned as a strong addition to come in and bolster Farke’s depth in the middle of the park.

Now, another name has been thrown into the mix for Leeds, as they look to perfect their squad before the Premier League opener at home to Everton on August 18th.

Leeds make contact over Sottil signing

According to a new report from TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], Leeds and Farke have made contact with Fiorentina about signing winger Riccardo Sottil this summer. Serie A side Torino are also pushing hard to snap up the 26-year-old, however, potentially bringing him in on loan with an option to buy him permanently next year.

Sotill has the quality to be a big hit for Leeds, with Ibrahimovic, who serves in an advisory role for AC Milan, even speaking of his admiration when the winger was on loan there last season.

“Sottil always looks for one-on-one situations, can play on both wings, is young, and has room to grow. Our job is to help them become even stronger.”

Sottil has 15 goals and assists apiece in 138 appearances for Fiorentina, while three goals in 12 caps for Italy’s Under-21s shows that he has been a highly-rated figure since his younger days.

Better signing than Paixao: Leeds in hunt to sign "exceptional" £30m star

Leeds United are reportedly in the hunt to sign an attacking midfielder who would be a better signing than Igor Paixao.

1 ByDan Emery

The Italian was even in the top 1% of dribblers last season when compared with positional peers in the big five leagues, further highlighting his attacking ability. He could get Leeds supporters out of their seats next term and beyond.