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Could Pep Clotet persuade former AC Milan left-back to join Leeds United if Charlie Taylor is sold?

Swansea manager Garry Monk and assistant manager Josep Clotet (L) (Reuters)
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The Whites’ assistant coach has already lured two of his former colleagues to Elland Road.

Leeds United manager Garry MonkLeeds boss Monk

Charlie Taylor is set to remain at Leeds United beyond next week’s transfer deadline – at least according to Whites boss Garry Monk.

However, for all Monk’s confidence, few associated with Leeds would be at all surprised were Taylor to suddenly depart – not least the former Swansea chief, given what happened with Lewis Cook earlier in the summer.

As such, the 37-year-old is sure to have a contingency plan in place should the worst happen, with his trusted assistant Pep Clotet no doubt involved in the target-identifying process.

Swansea manager Garry Monk and assistant manager Josep Clotet (L)Clotet (left) with Monk at Swansea

Clotet, it seems, is extremely well connected. Recent deals for Swedes Marcus Antonsson and Pontus Jansson stink of the Spaniard’s input – both having worked under him in spells at Halmstads and Malmo.

The 39-year-old, previously Monk’s sidekick at the Liberty Stadium, has also spent time at Viking FK, Malaga and Espanyol – the club at which one of his protégés made his name before moving on to AC Milan.

Didac Vila tussles with Lionel MessiDidac tussles with Lionel Messi

Though Didac Vila’s time at the San Siro will be fondly remembered by few, the left-back’s credentials were later substantiated by a return to his former club on loan, before further temporary spells at La Liga pair Real Betis and Eibar.

Following the culmination of his deal in Milan, Didac was acquired by Gus Poyet at AEK Athens and played 31 times last term as the Greek giants finished third in the league and lifted the domestic cup.

With Poyet now gone, and a trio of native Spanish speakers cut from the playing staff over the summer months, the 27-year-old is unlikely to dig his heels should a reunion with Clotet – a fellow Catalan – present itself.

And with a reported market value of £1.28 million (Transfermarkt), Leeds could have plenty of change to spare.

Spain's Martin Montoya (L) and Didac Vila celebrate winning the UEFA Under 21 ChampionshipsDidac (right) celebrates winning the Euro Under-21 Championship with Spain teammate Martin Montoya