Former Leeds United loanee Alfonso Pedraza has held talks to join Serie A giants Inter Milan with Juventus another potential destination for Villarreal’s La Liga left-back, agent Hector Peris Ros tells Gazzetta dello Sport.
During the 2017 January transfer window, Pedraza sealed a deadline day move to Elland Road alongside Modou Barrow, joining the likes of Hadi Sacko, Matt Grimes and Eunan O’Kane at a Leeds side then under the stewardship of Garry Monk.
Pedraza could have stayed, too. Leeds had an option in his contract to buy the Spain U21 international for £8 million. One that could have been exercised had they secured promotion to the Premier League. A late-season collapse – Leeds eventually finishing seventh – put pay to that, however.
Half a decade later, The Whites are now enjoying (or should that be enduring) their third successive season back in the big time. Pedraza, meanwhile, could be rewarded for some rip-roaring displays at Villarreal with a move to one of the biggest clubs on the continent.
Six years after their brief dalliance in West Yorkshire, both Leeds and Pedraza have gone onto bigger and better things.
Alfonso Pedraza is shining after leaving Leeds United
“We spoke with Inter in August,” explains Peris Ros. “But there was not enough time to negotiate.”
According to reports, Simone Inzaghi’s 2021 Serie A champions are likely to return for Pedraza in January. The £13 million-rated left-back could replace the out-of-favour German Robin Gosens at the San Siro.
Juventus is another potential destination for Pedraza. Ditto an Atalanta side keeping pace with Napoli at the top of the table.
“Atalanta asked for information more than once in the past,” Ros adds. “Pedraza has a contract with Villarreal until 2026. He does not need to leave. But the club and the player know that an offer from a top club can arrive.
“We often speak to Juventus, and we are on excellent terms. Pedraza could be an idea, let’s see.”
Now 26, Pedraza played a key role as Villarreal reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
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