According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Aston Villa sent a scout to watch Leeds target and Bologna centre-back Filip Helander during Monday’s Serie A clash with Hellas Verona.
The Whites were keen on the £5million-rated Sweden international during the summer, but couldn’t agree a deal with Bologna and haven’t kept in touch.
Helander is friends with fellow Swede Pontus Jansson and the club believes both can establish a solid partnership in the heart of their defence.
The Villans are the ones showing keen interest in the 24-year-old at the moment, though, and it remains to be seen if Leeds will re-enter the fray.
Helander has started 11 Serie A games this term, coming off the bench on one occasion and has been one of the club’s best players since arriving on loan from Hellas Verona last summer.
He definitely can be a perfect long-term signing for the Elland Road outfit, but it appears Villa could pip them to his signing.
