Former Middlesbrough technical director Victor Orta has been appointed at Leeds United.
Elland Road
Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of new director of football Victor Orta, making the announcement via their official website.
Orta left Middlesbrough just last week, and his appointment at Leeds hints that ex-Boro boss Aitor Karanka could soon also arrive at Elland Road.
His reputation was damaged by a mixed spell on Teesside which saw Boro relegated and many of his signings fail to shine.
That does not necessarily mean they were bad players, but it did not work out, and Orta could try to give one or two a second chance.
Here are three signings who were unsuccessful at Middlesbrough but who may flourish in different surroundings, who Boro should consider trying to offload to Leeds…
Rudy Gestede
Middlesbrough’s Rudy Gestede looks dejected
Rudy Gestede was always an odd signing for a Middlesbrough side attempting to avoid relegation after his misfortunes at Aston Villa in the top flight.
At Championship level though the Benin international has a decent record, bagging 22 goals for Blackburn in the 2014/15 season.
If Middlesbrough decide to go in a different direction, Leeds could make use of him as a back up for Chris Wood.
Bernardo Espinosa
Middlesbrough’s Bernardo Espinosa in action with Burnley’s Robbie Brady
While some of Orta’s Middlesbrough signings flopped, Espinosa was arguably the unluckiest.
He missed the first half of the season due to injury, but in his final 10 games for the club he kept five clean sheets.
Espinosa is a centre-back and plays in a position where Leeds need strengthening. Boro could get a return on a player who they picked up for free if they can sell him.
Victor Fischer
Viktor Fischer of Middlesbrough in action
Once the golden boy of European football, former Ajax wonderkid Victor Fischer struggled for first team action at Middlesbrough.
He may be wary of rejoining Aitor Karanka at Leeds if presented with the chance, but he could be persuaded by the chance to learn from playmaker Pablo Hernandez.
Fischer needs a fresh start, and Middlesbrough could tempt Leeds into buying if Orta is still enamoured with his potential.
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