Leeds agree terms with Mateo Joseph, no deal with Espanyol yet

Leeds United have agreed personal terms with Espanyol attacker Mateo Joseph, according to Diego Balbontin.

The Radio Futbol journalist has shared that the Whites are yet to agree a fee with the Spanish side, with their initial formal offer below the release clause.

Leeds are said to have offered £425,000, with the 17-year-old having a release clause just above £1million.

Writing on his personal Twitter account, Balbontin shared that the deal could yet happen for no transfer fee with Joseph's contract expiring next year.

"Leeds accelerates by the Cantabrian Mateo Joseph," he wrote. "Total agreement between club and player.

"The RCD Espanyol considers insufficient the (formal) offer of the English (£425,000/ clause of 1.2million). Free in 2022. It could be free if both clubs cannot reach an agreement."

Bargain?

With personal terms said to have been agreed, it is brilliant to know yet another talented young player wants to be at Elland Road.

Thorp Arch is becoming one of the best academies in England yet again, and Marcelo Bielsa will have a massive say on that.

Manchester City were said to be leading the race for the English-born sensation back in May, but Leeds looked to have made the first move [The Sun].

Pep Guardiola was said to be looking for a replacement for Sergio Aguero, so Joseph must be highly thought of.

It has been made no secret that the Manchester City boss values Bielsa as one of his biggest mentors throughout his career, but he could be about the lose out on a big deal.

Joseph is said to have agreed terms, but even if a transfer fee is not reached, at-least a deal could still happen in 2022 once his deal expires in Spain - bring it on.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites want to sign Madrid-born giant, Victor Orta could seal bargain move - report