Leeds United are interested in signing Frederico Venancio from Vitoria de Setubal this summer following an impressive loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday last season, according to reports in Portugal via The Yorkshire Post.

Venancio spent last season on loan at Hillsborough, impressing in the 25 games that he played, and the Owls are keen on purchasing him on a permanent deal.

But Jos Luhukay's men are taking their time over bringing Venancio in, which has encouraged Leeds to join their Yorkshire neighbours in this chase.

Venancio is reportedly available for a bargain price of £800,000, encouraging Leeds to make a swoop for the centre-half.

With Pontus Jansson's future in doubt as he prepares to head to the World Cup in Russia next week, Venancio has been lined up as a potential replacement.

The 25-year-old is available for transfer with Portuguese top division side Setubal prepared to sell him if a team matches their asking price.

Sheffield Wednesday missed the opportunity to automatically turn the former Portugal youth international's contract into a permanent one and now Leeds could poach him instead.

Venancio's preference is a return to Sheffield Wednesday but with the Owls stalling over this deal, Leeds could get there first.

The Verdict

Venancio would be a great signing for Leeds because he is still relatively young and he already has proven himself in the Championship.

Although he is not yet the finished article, he is definitely an upgrade on Liam Cooper and would be a suitable replacement for Jansson should the towering Swede leave.

The ideal scenario for Leeds would be Bielsa's 3-3-3-1 formation with a back line of Jansson, Venancio and Kyle Bartley.

Leeds fans - Would this be a good signing? Sheff Wed fans - Are you going to miss out? Let us know below...