Leeds turn attentions to Brazilian defender

LEEDS manager Peter Reid is looking into the potential availability of Brazilian World Cup winner Edmilson.

The 27-year-old has been told he can leave Lyon despite being under contract until 2007 and having helped them to the French league title last season. With Reid looking to strengthen the centre of defence, in particular following the loss of Jonathan Woodgate to Newcastle in January, Edmilson would represent a significant capture for United’s boss.

It is understood Reid would be looking to acquire Edmilson, who has 21 caps, on a season-long loan deal.

However, Reid may face a fight for Edmilson’s services from a number of other interested clubs who will have been alerted to the possibility of signing a proven international.

Edmilson becomes the third Brazilian to be linked with Leeds this summer, with long-time target Kleberson now likely to be joining Manchester United, while Rodrigo is currently on trial and aiming to prove his fitness after suffering a cruciate injury while at Everton last season.

Leeds skipper Dominic Matteo, meanwhile, believes the club can return to Europe providing Elland Road is again made a fortress.

With Leeds only just staving off relegation last season, and losing two more star names over the last week in Harry Kewell and Olivier Dacourt, United are again expected to struggle.

One of the main reasons Leeds suffered to virtually the bitter end was their abysmal home form as they lost nine of their 19 matches in front of their own fans. Only the three relegated clubs in Sunderland, West Brom and West Ham amassed less points and scored fewer goals on home soil, and that is a record which has to change according to Matteo.

If Leeds can return to winning ways at Elland Road then Matteo reckons the Whites will be pushing for a UEFA Cup spot come May.

“We were too easy to beat and play against,” Matteo said. “When I first came we were hard to beat at home and we scrapped games out. We have to get back to that.

“A club like Leeds needs to be in Europe. It’s an important thing for us. We have to improve our home form and if we do that we won’t be far away. You only have to look at teams like Southampton and Charlton. Their home form really helped and when you go away and nick points it pushes you up there. That’s where we want to be.”