Leeds United transfer news as move for Barcelona wonder Ilias Akhomach eyed up
Leeds United are eyeing up a free transfer move for Barcelona wonder Ilias Akhomach this summer, according to ESPN.
The 18-year-old is out of contract in June and whilst Barca are keen to renew his terms nothing has yet been agreed to between the youngster and the club.
The report claims that the current proposal offered to the talented youngster by the Catalan giants is a long way short of what the player would accept, with Leeds already making promises over playing time.
“Leeds United hope to convince Barcelona winger Ilias Akhomach to leave Camp Nou and join them as a free agent this summer, sources have told ESPN,” as quoted by ESPN. (20 February)
“Ilias, 18, is out of contract in June and Barca are keen to renew his terms, but there is so far no agreement for him to extend his stay at the Catalan club.
“A source has told ESPN, while Barca are open to retaining Ilias, the current financial proposal is a long way short of what the player’s camp would accept.
“Leeds’ interest led by sporting director Victor Orta, who knows the Spanish market well but has been complicated by the club’s poor performances this season.”
Fierce competition.
Leeds United will face fierce competition for the highly-rated youngster’s signature by the looks of things, with the ESPN report also sharing that Serie A giants AC Milan are interested in his signature.
The youngster has already made three first-team appearances for Xavi at Barcelona and is thought to be the next big thing in La Liga.
Capturing his signature would be a real coup for the Whites, however, any said deal will likely depend on the club securing Premier League football next season.
This will likely be the story for a majority of rumoured signings linked with the club in the coming weeks and months and it’s beyond frustrating.
Without a new manager at the helm and the club seemingly heading in no direction, it’s hard to imagine one of Barcelona’s brightest talents joining Leeds United at this moment in time.
Nevertheless, crazier things have happened in the transfer window before and you can never write off a move completely in this day and age.
In other Leeds United news, click here to see breaking, around-the-clock updates on Leeds’ search for a new manager in our interactive live blog.
Be sure to follow MOT Leeds News on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest, breaking news from Elland Road.