Marcelo Bielsa favourite Gaetano Berardi backs Jack Harrison as Leeds talks with Fiorentina continue | OneFootball

Leeds United remain in talks over a loan move that would send Jack Harrison to Fiorentina, while Gaetano Berardi has backed his former teammate to thrive in Serie A.

There is confidence a deal can be agreed this month and La Viola are expected to include an option to buy, with reports of a clause worth around £8.6million.

Berardi spent three years alongside Harrison at Elland Road, winning the 2019/20 Championship under Marcelo Bielsa before a ninth-placed Premier League finish, and now coaches the Under-19s at Italian fourth-tier Pro Palazzolo.

"I have wonderful memories of Jack. I would be very happy to see him back in Italy. He could provide important support." He was speaking to Radio FirenzeViola.

"In addition to being a skilled dribbling player, he is also an exemplary professional. Athletically, he is a ready player. Also, considering what the Premier League is like today, he could make the difference."

Harrison enjoyed some of his best form at Leeds alongside Berardi but has struggled since. He did not hit double figures for goals and assists combined across two loan spells at Everton and is yet to contribute for Daniel Farke this season, with only one start in 11 Premier League appearances. He also failed to impress in the 3-1 FA Cup win at Derby County.

"My explanation is that he's a very generous player who works hard defensively. By changing systems, he could find his way into attack as well." If the move to Fiorentina goes through, he would be Leeds’ second loan departure this month after Harry Gray joined Rotherham. Leonard Ngenge is set to arrive and is expected to link up with the Under-21s, while first-team additions are not imminent, though Leeds remain active and could progress slow-burning options, with attacking reinforcements still the priority.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk