Leeds United reportedly face strong competition from Premier League big boys Chelsea to sign highly-rated midfielder Dario Essugo.
Sun journalist Alan Nixon says the Blues are big admirers of the Sporting Lisbon prospect and are keen to sign the player on the cheap with the January transfer window fast approaching. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been linked with a move for the 19-year-old.
Essugo has found game time limited at his parent club but is currently starring on loan at Las Palmas. He joined the La Liga side on a temporary basis back in August, making 10 appearances so far for the club. Essugo opened his goal-scoring account for Las Palmas last month, scoring against Mallorca.
The Sun report states Chelsea "must act fast" to secure Essugo's services as the Whites are looking at securing a loan-to-buy deal, thought to be in the region of £6m. The national newspaper has previously suggested United tried to sign Essugo in the summer and now plan to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.
United, who are also said to be closing in on the signing of Australian goalkeeper Robbie Cook following a successful trial spell, have plenty of options in central midfield in the form of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell, Josuha Guilavogui and youngster Charlie Crew. Gruev remains on the sidelines due to a serious knee injury, Rothwell is set to return to his parent club Bournemouth at the end of the campaign, Guilavogui will become a free agent next summer while Wales Under-21 international Crew remains untried and untested at senior level.
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