Leeds United have been linked with Rodrigo, and the Elland Road faithful will be encouraged to hear what Owen Coyle said about the Valencia attacker when he worked with him at Bolton Wanderers.
According to Marca, Leeds are interested in signing Rodrigo – who can play as a striker or as a winger – from Spanish club Valencia this summer.
Gianluca Di Marzio has also reported that the Whites, who have won automatic promotion to the Premier League, are looking into the possibility of securing the services of the Spain international.
Coyle was in charge of Bolton from 2010 until 2012, and he worked with Rodrigo at the time.
The 29-year-old spent the 2010-11 season on loan at the Trotters from Benfica.
According to WhoScored, the Spaniard – then just 19 years of age – made four starts and 13 substitute appearances in the Premier League for Bolton, scoring one goal and providing one assist in the process.
Coyle was very impressed with Rodrigo, and the former Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers boss raved about him.
Coyle told The Bolton News on October 25, 2010 about Rodrigo: “He’s is a top player. He can play through the middle, wide left or wide right. He’s got goals in him and nearly popped up with a wonder goal.
“He just looks exciting, he takes people on, he’s positive and is the type of player I love. He’s strong and he reminds me a lot of Jack Wilshere when he first came into training.
“The first session my senior pros and the skipper bounced him about a bit but Jack was able to handle it and Rodrigo can too. Physically he’s very strong, he’s got pace to burn, can play right foot or left foot.”
According to WhoScored, Rodrigo scored four goals and provided seven assists in 24 La Liga matches, and scored two goals and provided two assists in six Champions League games for Valencia this past season.
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