Leeds United had been linked with a midfielder currently impressing in the top tier of Spanish football earlier this month, but now The Whites face hefty competition for his signature in the form of Chelsea.
Despite being unlikely to enter the transfer market themselves as Daniel Farke has made clear on many occasions, Leeds have been linked with a plethora of different players – different positions, different ages.
However, there are a handful of Leeds players being linked with the exit door and they include the likes of Illan Meslier, Pascal Struijk, Max Wober, Junior Firpo, Patrick Bamford and other stars in Farke’s squad.
Leeds have been linked with players in pretty much, every position since the start of December and one they are supposedly looking to sign is available for a bargain £6m – but, they now have to rival Chelsea.
Dario Essugo of UD Las Palmas controls the ball during the LaLiga match between Rayo Vallecano and UD Las Palmas at Estadio de Vallecas on November...
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Chelsea join race to sign Sporting Lisbon talent Dario Essugo
Last week, it was reported Leeds were interested in Essugo. The 19-year-old is currently on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas from Sporting Lisbon and interested clubs would have to tempt them to cancel his loan.
Leeds believe they are able to by offering a £6m buy option, whichever division they are in next season. But, The Sun now claim Chelsea want Essugo, labelled the “complete midfielder” by Breaking The Lines.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been linked with Essugo, who has earned praise from Man United boss Ruben Amorim in the past. Of course, Amorim gave Essugo his senior Sporting debut aged just 16.
Leicester City Manager Enzo Maresca and Leeds United Manager Daniel Farke during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Leicester ...
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What Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News about Dario Essugo
The need for a central midfielder at Elland Road is little. Ethan Ampadu played 90 minutes for Leeds on Saturday albeit in defence, while Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka are impressed as Farke’s preferred duo.
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Charlie Crew and Josuha Guilavogui are next in line while Ilia Gruev is expected to return to the pitch in February or March. For that reason, Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News he doesn’t expect a deal.
“Just heard he’s a good player, I don’t see it in January. I spoke to a few people around Leeds, but Leeds are happy with what they’ve got. Not dismissing it, but Gruev is back in February/March, will be fully fit.
“I don’t think Sporting, or him, will be totally convinced if he can’t start. Guilavogui will be sixth-choice, that sums up the strength in depth. He’d be starting for three quarters of Championship teams.”