Premier League duo Leeds United and Fulham want to sign Gonzalo Plata but the Ecuador international is hoping to stay at newly-promoted Real Valladolid, speaking to Cadena Ser.
As his calves begin to ache, as the lactic acid starts to burn, Valladolid president Ronaldo would be forgiven for wishing he could turn back the clock.
The legendary Brazilian vowed to embark upon a 500 kilometre bike ride if his side secured promotion back to La Liga and, after the Pucile finished second in the Segunda table, his joy may have turned to trepidation.
Ronaldo took control of Valladolid two years ago. The club suffered relegation in his first season as majority shareholder, but his second certainly proved to be a damn sight more enjoyable.
And, after contributing six goals and five assists to the Valladolid cause, Sporting Lisbon loanee Plata is determined to repay the path Ronaldo and co showed in him by putting pen to paper on a permanent contract.
Leeds United and Fulham like Gonzalo Plata
“I’ve asked Ronaldo to do everything possible so that I can stay at Real Valladolid,” says the quicksilver winger. “I want to stay here. I feel the love of my teammates, the coaching staff and the fans. That’s the most important thing.”
There is an option-to-buy clause worth around £8 million in Plata’s contract. A fee Valladolid may struggle to stump up, despite a return to La Liga.
According to Bolavip, Leeds United could take advantage of the uncertainty facing Plata at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla, while A Bola have mentioned Fulham as another potential destination.
“He’s a huge footballer,” says Valladolid coach Pacheta.
Clearly, the manager is aligned with Plata regarding a potential return to Spain for a man who turned down Barcelona before joining Sporting in 2019.
“He still has to improve but he has everything,” Pacheta adds. “He’s an exceptional boy. We all love him. Plata is very good.”
Fulham remain in the market for a winger after a deal to sign Manor Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk collapsed. Anthony Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro can both leave Craven Cottage.
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