Leeds United are reportedly keen on bolstering their defence, and have now made Torino defender Nicolas Nkoulou their top target in the summer.
Leeds have suffered from plenty of defensive injury problems, with Robin Koch and Diego Llorente having to sit out on several matches due to injury, whilst some fitness problems for captain Liam Cooper have also led to Luke Ayling regularly playing in centre-back.
A report from Tuttosport is claiming that Marcelo Bielsa wants Nicolas Nkoulou to reinforce the defence, with the Cameroonian international's contract expiring this summer.
The report claims that Bielsa wants the defender "at all costs", especially since they have a good relationship together, with Nkoulou playing under Bielsa during his time at Marseille.
Nkoulou recently praised Bielsa in an interview with Spanish outlet Marca, claiming "The season in Marseille, with Marcelo Bielsa, has also taught me a lot. I have to say it."
Remarkably, Leeds have to also fight off interest from Manchester United, as the Italian publication has claimed that whilst Leeds are in a very good position to sign him on a free this summer, they "must not overlook the possibility" of Manchester United being interested.
Nkoulou has made it clear in the past that he would like to play in the UEFA Champions League again, which could mean that Manchester United are favourites to sign him if they approach him.
Torino have had a woeful season so far, and the 30-year-old defender has been in and out of the side as he has struggled for form, but the lack of game time will lead to him assessing his options in the summer.
Leeds have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League this season, conceding 44 goals in 26 games, with 19th-placed West Brom being the only side to conceded more goals (55) so far this season.
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