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Ibai Gomez says Leeds United wanted him in January

(L-R) Ibai Gomez of Athletic Bilbao, Oscar de Marcos of Athletic Bilbao during the La Liga Santander match between Athletic de Bilbao v Sevilla at...
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Ibai Gomez worked with Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao.

Ibai Gomez of Athletic Club de Bilbao during the La Liga Santander match between Villarreal and Athletic Club de Bilbao at La Ceramica Stadium on Jenuary 20, 2019 in Vila-real, Spain.

Athletic Bilbao star Ibai Gomez has told Mundo Deportivo that Leeds United wanted to sign him in the January transfer window.

Gomez, who can operate as a winger or as a forward, has returned to Bilbao from fellow Spanish club Alaves this month.

During his first spell at Bilbao, the 29-year-old worked with current Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

The attacker has revealed that Leeds wanted to sign him in the January transfer window and has also explained his decision not to reunite with Bielsa at Elland Road.

Back in October 2018, Goal.com reported that Bielsa wanted to bring Gomez to Elland Road in January 2019.

Gomez told Mundo Deportivo when asked if he had an offer from Leeds: “Yes, I took time over it.”

Regarding speaking to Bielsa, the attacker said: “No, no, not directly with him, but we have been in contact in another way and it was one of the options that attracted me.

“I was very good here with Bielsa, I had a very good season, but I did not think it was time to change country in January.”

Roque Mesa of Sevilla FC competes for the ball with Ibai Gomez of Ahtletic Club de Bilbao during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between Sevilla FC and Athletic Club de Bilbao at...

Quality footballer

Gomez is a very good attacking player who would have been a brilliant signing for Leeds.

With Samuel Saiz having left Leeds for Getafe on loan in the January transfer window, the 29-year-old would have been a suitable replacement.

Leeds, though, need to move on and find another similar player between now and the end of the month.

The West Yorkshire outfit are going strong in the Championship at the moment, but they could do with reinforcements this month in order to finish the season in the top two.

Ibai Gomez of Ahtletic Club de Bilbao in action during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between Sevilla FC and Athletic Club de Bilbao at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on January 16,...