Valencia striker Rodrigo Moreno is determined to join a club where he will play regularly ahead of Euro 2021 with Leeds United closing in on a deal for the Spain international, according to Goal.
Considering that this one-time Bolton Wanderers loanee was the only central attacking option picked in Luis Enrique’s latest La Roja squad, Rodrigo appears to be in possession of that coveted ‘number nine’ jersey with just months remaining until the Euros finally kick off.
But, with Paco Alcacer, Alvaro Morata and the exceptional Gerard Moreno breathing down his neck, the 29-year-old knows that the 2020/21 could be one of the most important of his entire career.
According to Goal, Rodrigo wants to ensure that he is in the starting XI week-in-week-out with a space in Spain’s star-studded squad on the line.
Although Patrick Bamford will not be giving up his shirt so easily, Elland Road feels like the ideal destination for a forward who (and we mean no disrespect here) could usually aim a lot higher than a newly-promoted side, albeit a Leeds one coached by the legendary Marcelo Bielsa.
While Rodrigo had taken on a backseat role at Valencia due to the presence of targetman Maxi Gomez, he still provided 18 goals and assists from a deeper position in 2019/20.
Goal claim that Leeds are now in advanced talks over a deal that will see Rodrigo become their £25 million record-signing.
Chairman Andrea Radrizzani and director of football Victor Orta are currently on the Castellon coast, negotiating an eye-catching transfer that will not only prove Leeds’ ambition but also give Bielsa the clinical finisher he is craving (AS).
Defensa Central suggested on Monday that Real Madrid could still make a move for a forward they have admired for years. But, if it is regular first-team football he wants, then joining a club which boasts Karim Benzema as their number nine is not the best idea.
Just ask Mariano Diaz.
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