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Leeds United in March race to complete Ilias Akhomach transfer from Barcelona
Leeds United appear to be in a race against time in March to complete the transfer of Barcelona sensation Ilias Akhomach after news emerged from Spain.
Mundo Deportivo reported in its print edition [15 March, pg 10] that the Whites are the likely destination for the winger after he turned down a future at the Nou Camp.
The Spanish newspaper has insisted that the deal has to be closed in March though, with the 18-year-old advancing towards a move to Elland Road already.
That gives Leeds and Victor Orta 13 days.
Akhomach is described as one of the players with the most potential in the Barcelona academy, so having him on the books at Thorp Arch would be a major coup.
With AC Milan and Sevilla also sniffing around though, having a strict time deadline to get this one done may actually play into the hands of Leeds to win the race.
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Get it done.
All the signs surrounding this one appear to suggest that Leeds have already won the race.
It was reported by LUFC FANZONE on 16 March that the young winger is satisfied with the offer on the table from Elland Road, and even relegation from the Premier League would not deter him.
With a four-year contract on the table too, it proves that Akhomach is certainly being given the chance to prove himself in English football over a sustained period.
Leeds are entering a new guard in the summer with the 49ers Enterprises likely completing their takeover and a new manager potentially coming in once Javi Gracia completes his spell too.
Orta could also be on the way out alongside the likes of Andrea Radrizzani and Angus Kinnear, so if this was his last transfer, would it be one that leaves fans happy?
There is always a risk with a young player coming in but the rewards can easily outweigh them.
So, all eyes will be on Elland Road across the next 13 days as our first summer transfer could be sealed and announced within two weeks.
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.
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