Leeds United are tracking a midfielder currently impressing in La Liga ahead of the January window but they have been joined by two of Europe’s biggest institutions in the race for his signature.
Despite Daniel Farke saying he expects a quiet window at Leeds United in January, The Whites continue to be linked with a plethora of new names. A new left-back, a striker and a no.10 could be on the agenda.
However, plenty of other players that player in different positions continue to be linked with Leeds and that includes holding midfield. Leeds are said to be interested in a £6m deal for midfielder Dario Essugo.
Essugo is impressing on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas after leaving parent club Sporting on loan for a second time in the summer. On the weekend, he helped his side secure a point against Real Sociedad.
Dario Essugo (UD Las Palmas) seen in action during the LaLiga EA SPORTS game between teams of Rayo Vallecano and UD Las Palmas at Estadio de Vallec...
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Leeds not alone in pursuit of Sporting midfielder Dario Essugo
Still only 19, Essugo has been targeted by Leeds though The Whites would have to convince Sporting to cancel his Las Palmas loan. In an attempt to do so, they are ready to include a permanent £6m option.
However, Leeds are not alone in pursuit of Essugo. Portuguese outfit Leonino say Raphinha’s Barcelona and Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on Essugo ahead of the January window with a move still possible.
The potential of the Portugal U21 is incredible, after Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim gave him his professional debut aged just 16 at Sporting. Amorim said after his debut that Essugo is “very talented”.
Dario Essugo of UD Las Palmas looks on prior to the LaLiga match between Atletico de Madrid and UD Las Palmas at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Novemb...
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Dario Essugo arrival could free up Joe Rothwell in no.10 role
While Leeds do not need additions in holding midfield given the arrival of Josuha Guilavogui, bringing in a player like Essugo may free up Joe Rothwell with the on-loan Bournemouth man currently in midfield.
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Alongside Ao Tanaka, Rothwell is required to play slightly defensively even if he is ahead of Ao Tanaka. But, the set-piece specialist might be best if pushed further forward behind the striker at Elland Road.
The signing of Essugo then might not only improve Leeds’ defensive solidity in midfield, but it could also get the best out of Rothwell and in-turn, potentially solve Leeds’ question marks in the no.10 role.