Ecuardorian website El Futbolero claim that Leeds United want to raid MLS side Los Angeles FC for Ecuador international Jose Cifuentes – who would cost a bargain £6million this summer.
Cifuentes, 23, has impressed since joining the newly-formed MLS outfit in January 2020. In his two and a half years at the club, he has clocked up 81 appearances – having a hand in 26 goals from the middle of the park.
A box-to-box type midfielder, Cifuentes is already an eight-time Ecuador international. But it is his form this season that has caught the eye. Six goals and seven assists in 26 outings has helped LAFC sit first in the Western Conference.
Indeed, with Cifuentes now being flanked by the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Gareth Bale, they look a strong contender to win the MLS shield. But it might be that Cifuentes leaves the club before the end of the MLS season.
Leeds are interested. Jesse Marsch has already brought in eight new players, the latest being goalkeeper Joel Robles. A fee of £6million would be enough to land Cifuentes, another example of Leeds growing their American connection.
Leeds want Cifuentes: Bargain £6million
It would be a bargain. The Premier League have spent big on imports from the MLS at times, most notably Newcastle spending £20million on Miguel Almiron. Cifuentes is certainly a player that stands out. £6million is very cheap.
Leeds could do with another body in the middle of the park, especially one that scores goals. Other than Marc Roca and Tyler Adams, they have Darko Gyabi, Archie Gray, Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw.
But Klich could go, Forshaw is injury prone and both Gray and Gyabi are very inexperienced – in their teens. Gray is yet to make his senior debut. Adding an international like Cifuentes for just £6million is a smart move.
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