Leeds United have been heavily linked with Barcelona’s Ilias Akhomach in recent weeks.
One report even suggested the Whites had agreed a contract with the 18-year-old winger.
Other reports seem to say Leeds are very nearly there, though not quite over the finish line.
MD, via Sport Witness, provided some more information on Tuesday.
The Spanish outlet claims Akhomach will not renew his contract with the Catalan club, and will leave for Leeds.
Apparently he has received several proposals from elsewhere, including AC Milan.
However, Javi Gracia’s Premier League outfit are in ‘most advanced’ talks to sign the player.
Akhomach is reportedly in negotiations with the Leeds and it is expected to be closed at the end of this month.
Leeds are 19th in the table but the Spaniard’s entourage believe they will avoid relegation to the Championship.
In the event the Whites are relegated, Akhomach’s case would be discussed again, added the report.
However, ‘no other scenario’ is being contemplated at present as Leeds near a breakthrough.
‘Fantastic technique’
So, a bit of a step back from that earlier report, but still very positive.
Talks seem to be heading in the right direction and, if all goes well, Akhomach will become a Leeds player.
Victor Orta struck gold by signing Wilfried Gnonto last summer, and maybe lightning can strike twice.
Akhomach is an outstanding talent with so much potential, and would be a real coup for Leeds.
The teenage winger captains Spain’s Under-19s and has made three senior appearances for the Blaugrana.
Football Talent Scout published an article in 2020 where they called him ‘one of the most talented and spectacular players in La Masia’.
‘Ilias is mainly a right-winger, but he can also play on the left wing, as one of the attacking midfielders or as a false nine,’ they wrote.
‘He is an unpredictable player, with fantastic technique, body balance & acceleration.
‘He is great in tight spaces and winning duels with 2 or 3 players is no problem for him.
‘He’s also a very creative player. Ilias can find free space and pass a ball between the lines or play an accurate long ball.
‘He is very elegant with the ball and constantly causes havoc around the penalty area.
‘Ball control, movement and tactical intelligence are also at a very high level.’
Football Talent Scout said Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco wanted Akhomach in the past.
Now, with Milan seemingly in pursuit, Leeds getting one over on them would be a real signal of intent.
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