By Craig Scott

12th Aug, 2020 | 4:10pm

Leeds ready to loosen purse strings to sign ex-PL centre-mid valued £27.1m - report

Leeds United are prepared to “open the purse strings” to secure the signing of Levante midfielder Jose Campana this summer, according to Record.

The Portuguese newspaper claims that Campana, 27, is in Luis Enrique’s preliminary squad for the Spanish national team after an impressive season with Levante and is also attracting plenty of attention from England.

As well as Leeds, it is understood that Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa are also keen on the former Porto and Crystal Palace midfielder, who made just six Premier League appearances during his short spell at Selhurst Park in 2013/14.

Record adds that although the central midfielder has a release clause worth a huge £54.2million, he is valued at £27.1million by Levante.

Last season saw Campana make 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and supplying seven assists in the process.

One of his best displays of the 2019/20 season came in November when he scored a goal and assisted another in a shock 3-1 win for Levante.

Mundo Deportivo has since reported that Barca are interested in the Spanish midfielder, while Sevilla are also said to be keen.

Although he played mainly in the centre of the midfield, Campana can also play on the left and right wings so he might be a handy addition to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad due to his versatility.

We would like to see Bielsa sign a new central midfielder before next season kicks off in September but we also understand that if that does happen, it’s unlikely they’re going to splash a huge amount of cash on that area of the squad.

Leeds need to sort out what is happening with Ben White first and then maybe try to sign a new centre-forward.

After that, a left-back, central midfielder and potentially a goalkeeper should be considered.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites are set to complete another new signing today, according to Sky Sports.