‘Incredible’ Leeds star attracting fresh interest as Jesse Marsch mulls exit

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Leeds United winger Ian Poveda is now attracting interest from sides in the Championship, Major League Soccer and Spain’s second-tier with Jesse Marsch set to consider loan deals.

That’s according to Leeds Live, who report the Whites are prepared to listen to approaches over a temporary transfer. The Elland Road outfit would also be willing to discuss including an option to buy the former Manchester City prospect next summer in a short-term move.

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Marsch is currently weighing up the futures for several players who sit on the fringes of his plans for the new season. Leeds do not believe any big-name players will depart before the sales slam shut, but will allow those out of the picture a chance to earn regular game time.

Leeds must inform Manchester City of acceptable interest in Poveda transfer

Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa bought Poveda off Manchester City in January 2020 for up to £1m. The Whites did not pay the Citizens any upfront fee for the former England U20 talent, but agreed to include various add-ons, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Manchester City also gained a 30% sell-on clause to let Poveda leave, and have a right to match any offer. Leeds must inform the Etihad Stadium hierarchy of any acceptable bids for the 22-year-old, who is under contract at Elland Road until 2024 but is yet to break through.

Poveda has so far only enjoyed 20 first-team appearances since moving to West Yorkshire, and has only started three fixtures. His opening calls have additionally come in one FA Cup, an EFL Cup and one Championship match, with all 14 premier League games off the bench.

A loan move to Blackburn Rovers for the 2021/22 term also returned just 10 Championship appearances – starting four. He also only hit one goal and two assists whilst at Ewood Park, having missed 25 matches after suffering a fracture and ligament damage to his left ankle.

Poveda showed flashes of the ‘incredible’ talent Pep Guardiola hailed during his Blackburn spell before the injury. He could now secure a return to the Championship, a move to MLS or Spain’s second-tier to find his footing once more after a tough run through 2022 so far.