Thierry Henry names Leeds target’s best qualities as asking price emerges

Leeds target Romain Faivre has the qualities needed to be a big success in the game – according to Thierry Henry, the man who gave him his big breakthrough in France.

The Brest midfielder has been earmarked as a possible summer signing by Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.

The 22-year-old, capped four times by France Under-21s, joined Monaco from Tours in 2017. Having played for Tours’ reserves, he occupied the same position in the principality, making just one first-team appearance.

That came while Henry was coach at the Ligue 1 club – and the player earned a ringing endorsement from the Arsenal legend.

“Sofiane Diop, Benoit Badiashile, Romain Faivre. These are players I helped to develop as best I could and I’m happy for that.

“Romain Faivre has something few players have – he breaks lines,” the Arsenal legend told SoFoot of the midfielder with vast potential and substantial technical ability.

Indeed, while his chances at Monaco depleted once Henry left, Faivre moved to Brest in a bargain £300,000 move last summer. It’s a move that has paid rich dividends.

Faivre’s performances for Les Pirates have certainly been turning heads. Back in January, it was reported that Manchester United were keeping tabs on him.

Now though, it appears that Leeds are keen, according to L’Equipe.

Strengthening their central midfield this summer appears to be their top priority. During Kalvin Phillips’ absence recently, Bielsa’s side lost four in five games. While he wouldn’t be cover for Phillips, he would provide competition for Mateusz Klich in the more advanced role.

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Price tag emerges for Faivre

With five goals, three assists and a string of man of the match performances under his belt this season, Faivre has impressed. And it seems Brest know their star man won’t be hanging around for long.

As such, it’s claimed Brest are seeking ‘close to €20m’ for Faivre this summer. The fee is unlikely to deter Leeds if he’s deemed capable of shining in the Premier League. He also does appear to fit the Bielsa prototype.

Indeed, Faivre also boasts an average of 1.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 1.9 key passes per game.

Leeds tried and failed to recruit a new central midfielder last summer with Bayern’s Michael Cuisance – who went on to join Marseille – the nearest they came.

READ MORE: Leeds urged to sign bargain French attacker who can add new dimension under Bielsa