Reported Leeds United and Aston Villa target Jose Campana is in line for a first ever Spain cap, with his exceptional performances catching the eye of Luis Enrique, according to Estadio Deportivo.
Six years ago, a talented young midfielder was on his way back to Spain with his tail between his legs after failing to make the grade under Tony Pulis at Crystal Palace.
These days, however, Campana would swagger into the starting XI of many a Premier League team, including a Palace side crying out for the defence-splitting passes a one-time Ian Holloway signing has made his trademark.
At the age of 27, a late-blooming playmaker is in the form of his life and, as Barcelona fans will tell you, there are few playmakers in La Liga who can match Campana when he at his ball-playing best.
The Selhurst Park reject was the star of the show as Levante thumped Barca 3-1 back in November, producing one of his seven league assists as Gerard Pique, Frenkie de Jong and co danced unwittingly to his tune.
According to El Desmarque, Campana’s performances have not only sparked interest from Leeds, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Everton; they have also put him in contention for a first ever international cap.
El Desmarque reported that Campana would most likely have been rewarded with a maiden La Roja appearance if the March international break had not been cancelled.
Now, with the European Championships rolled back to 2021, and Santi Cazorla, Thiago Alcantara and Sergio Busquetts all in and around their 30s, a big-money move to England would surely boost Campana’s international ambitions.
Estadio Deportivo claims that Levante have included a £50 million release clause in their talisman’s contract, though an ongoing financial crisis means the Castellon club may now be forced to accept closer to £18 million.
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