Championship outfit Leeds United are reportedly close to agreeing on personal terms with Hull City forward Abel Hernandez.
The 27-year-old’s contract with Hull City expires at the end of the month and he has already confirmed he will leave KCOM Stadium.
While Hernandez’s potential signing could be music to Leeds fans, they are set to get another bonanza with reports claiming the club is in advanced talks with Marcelo Bielsa over head coach vacancy after dismissing Paul Heckingbottom last week after just 16 games in the job.
Bielsa, former Argentina and Chile coach, is highly regarded for his work and tactical flexibility. He prefers to play a high-octane brand of football using his standard but distinctive 3-3-3-1 formation.
Should the Argentine get the Leeds job, here is how the club could line up with Abel Hernandez next season.
Probable Leeds XI
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Formation: 3-3-3-1
Bailey Peacock-Farrell (GK)
The young goalkeeper performed well this past season and that should be enough for him to stay as Leeds’ No.1 in goal next term.
Liam Cooper (RCB)
Cooper is a reliable defender but must improve his technique if he is to become a regular starter under Bielsa.
Pontus Jansson (CB)
Jansson is the undisputed leader for Leeds at the back. Strong, commanding and powerful in the air, the Swedish centre-half is a no-nonsense defender who needs to keep his injury problems behind to excel at the highest level next season.
Gaetano Berardi (LCB)
Berardi blew hot and cold in the past season but needs to improve his overall game next season to stand a chance of getting regular opportunities.
Tom Pearce (LWB)
Starting in the left-wing back role should be Tom Pearce. The 20-year-old is agile, sparkling and pacey, with bags of potential. He could unlock his true potential under the incoming Bielsa but needs to work his socks off to get a regular run on the left.
Stuart Dallas (RWB)
Dallas could be the man at the right-wing back under Bielsa. The Northern Irishman is an energetic and lively player but should be always ready to produce more than the requirement to keep playing regularly.
Adam Forshaw (CDM)
Forshaw has had an injury-ravaged season but could be the perfect man to perform the defensive duties as well as create opportunities from a deeper role under Bielsa next term.
Pablo Hernandez (RW)
Quick, intelligent and creative, Pablo Hernandez can take on the position on the right-wing to supply balls in the box for the centre-forward to feast on.
Samuel Saiz (CAM)
Saiz had a fantastic season with Leeds last time out. Gifted with exceptional technique and solid composure, the Spaniard has the ability to carve open defences with one pass. He could be one of the most important players for Bielsa next season.
Ezgjan Alioski (LW)
Alioski is capable of providing a lot of flair and creativity into Leeds’ final third. However, he needs to work extremely hard on his consistency.
Abel Hernandez (ST)
An injury-hit season saw Hernandez play very little for Hull City this past season. However, he still managed 8 goals and that shows the quality of the player Leeds would be getting summer. Fast, powerful and prolific, the Uruguayan could be a massive hit at Elland Road next season.
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