Exclusive: Leeds United link with top Argentinian club on the cards
LEEDS UNITED are in talks over a proposed partnership with top Argentinian club San Lorenzo, the Yorkshire Post can reveal.
Under the plans, a host of star names will make their way to Elland Road with discussions understood to be at such an advanced stage that Argentinian international Jonathan Bottinelli is due to fly in next week.
The highly-rated defender will be joined at Thorp Arch by San Lorenzo team-mate, Under-20 international Nicolas Bianchi, and both will be assessed by manager Dennis Wise.
The Yorkshire Post understands the duo's arrival could be the first of many as Leeds and the Argentinian Premier League side, whose 2008 season does not start until February 10, look to forge a link-up that will be mutually beneficial.
Bottinelli, 23, made his full international debut in Argentina's goalless draw with Chile last April and can play at either left-
back or in the centre of defence. Last season, he made 29 appearances for San Lorenzo and scored four goals.
Bianchi, meanwhile, will celebrate his 21st birthday later this month and is an Under-20 international. The central defender made 14 appearances during 2007.
If Bianchi or Bottinelli impress sufficiently – and providing the two clubs can come to some sort of agreement over the partnership – then Leeds will look to sign the duo, subject to work permits.
The impending arrival of the two Argentinians adds a further intriguing element to a transfer window that Wise admits has arrived "at the right time".
The Elland Road club are suffering their first genuine blip of the season with back-to-back defeats to Swansea City and Oldham Athletic having seen United lose ground on the League One leaders.
See Friday's Yorkshire Post for the full story...