Leeds fans were split this week when news broke that Ronaldo Vieira is leaving the club, but Marcelo Bielsa can upgrade by moving for Marko Grujic.

What’s the story?

Vieira agreed a five-year deal to join Sampdoria this week, leaving Leeds dangerously short of options in midfield.

Bielsa should now immediately turn his attention towards Grujic, who could be available on loan thanks to Liverpool’s summer business.

Jurgen Klopp has been very active in the transfer market, already adding Naby Keita and Fabinho to his midfield ranks. Given the huge transfer fees for both players and the presence of the likes of James Milner and Jordan Henderson, it seems unlikely that Grujic will get any playing time at all.

The Reds have already loaned him out twice, and the 22 year-old showed he has what it takes to compete in the Championship last season during an impressive loan spell with Cardiff.

If Bielsa wants someone who is both extremely physical and capable of spraying the ball about, then he should look no further than a loan deal for the towering Serbian.

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Better than Vieira?

Grujic has made just eight Premier League appearances since joining Liverpool from Red Star Belgrade as a teenager, but his form on loan with Cardiff last season showed exactly what he is capable of.

The 6 ft 3 youngster played a huge part in the Bluebirds’ promotion, and could have a similar impact as an enforcer in Leeds’ midfield.

His physical presence is no doubt his best trait, winning a truly incredible 5.6 aerial duels per 90 minutes last season, as per WhoScored. He also averaged 1.6 tackles, 2.6 interceptions and 3.7 clearances per 90 minutes, so he will help Bielsa keep the clean sheets required to surge up the Championship.

He is also more technically gifted than he gets credit for, creating 0.7 chances per 90 minutes, a decent ratio for a very defensive minded midfielder, while also completing over one dribble per game.

If Bielsa wants someone in midfield to win balls in the air, break up play and launch attacks of their own, then a loan deal for Grujic could be perfect for all parties. He has Championship experience, a good head on his shoulders, and a bit of a mean streak that fans will love.

So, Leeds fans, would you back a loan move for Grujic? Is he an upgrade on Vieira? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…