Leeds United target Otavio ‘has the ideal attributes’ to succeed in the Premier League, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from FC Porto following another productive campaign with the Primeira Liga giants, and Elland Road has been touted as a potential destination.
What is the latest news involving Otavio?
Portuguese outlet O Jogo reported that Leeds had an opening bid worth €30 million (£26m) turned down by Porto for Otavio, who idolises Ronaldinho.
And now A Bola (via Sport Witness) claim that sporting director Victor Orta remains keen to secure the Portugal international’s services and is preparing a renewed assault.
It’s believed that the Leeds chief will offer €40m (£35m) for Otavio, a figure that transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed is Otavio’s true release clause.
Previous reports had claimed the creative talent actually had a €60m (£51.5m) release clause written into his contract, but that fee is no longer believed to be true.
Otavio could become Raphinha’s heir in west Yorkshire with the Brazil international the subject of intense interest from the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona.
What is the latest news involving Otavio?
Leeds are believed to be in the market for a winger and have also been credited with an interest in the likes of Noa Lang, Ryan Kent and Cody Gakpo.
But O’Rourke believes Otavio ‘fits the profile’ of player that the Whites are looking for under manager Jesse Marsch.
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He told GiveMeSport: “He looks like a good player who is very hard working as well.
“So, he has the ideal attributes maybe to be a success in the Premier League and fits the profile for the type of player that Leeds are looking to bring in under Jesse Marsch.”
Would Otavio be a good signing?
Otavio enjoyed an extremely productive season for Porto last time out, registering five goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
The 5 foot 8 technician played a pivotal part as the Dragons claimed a domestic double, and his underlying numbers indicate he could be an ideal fit for Marsch’s pressing style of play.
As per FBref, Otavio ranked in the 99th percentile for pressures and tackles, the 98th for blocks, 95th for shot-creating actions and the 92nd for progressive passes amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Enticing Otavio to Leeds would surely be seen as a sizeable coup for Marsch and could significantly soften the blow of losing Raphinha should he depart the club.