Leeds United have been linked with Japanese international Yosuke Ideguchi in recent days.
Speculation has intensified in the last few days that Leeds United may be about to snap up one of the most highly-rated talents in Asian football.
As reported by The Sun, Leeds are prepared to pay the £700,000 release clause required to bring Gamba Osaka midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi to Elland Road – shortly after director of football Victor Orta confirmed that the club would make a ‘surprise’ signing from the Far East.
Ideguchi, a 21-year-old who won the J-League’s Rookie of the Year award in 2015, is one of Japan’s rising stars and is already a huge fans favourite in his homeland after his rocket shot in the 2-0 win against Australia last week sealed his nation’s place at the 2018 World Cup.
And, according to Gamba Osaka’s chairman Takashi Yamaguchi, there could be major developments in the deal sooner rather than later, telling Nikkan Sports that “The offer is definitely coming.”
The report adds that Leeds could seal a deal as early as the January transfer window, though work permit issues mean Ideguchi might have to be loaned out to a club in Europe before he is allowed to pull on the famous white shirt.
Leeds have signed excellently since Orta became their new director of football in the summer and Ideguchi will hope to follow in the footsteps of Samu Saiz, Pierre-Michel Lasogga and co and make a positive impression at Elland Road.
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