Why Carlos Espi is seemingly on verge of transfer as Leeds hunt deal for Levante star

Carlos Espi's future has been a hot topic over the last week and Leeds United have been amongst it.

The Whites are hoping to strike a deal for a centre-forward this summer, and provide competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Reports which have previously been covered by MOT Leeds News have shared that Leeds want a younger striker to come into the club.

At 20 years old Espi certainly fits that profile and his future looks certain to be away from Levante this summer.

The La Liga side are in a predicament financially with Espi's departure mooted to ease concerns.

And now Levante have taken action to ensure nothing gets in the way of a potential sale.

Levante make decision on Carlos Espi's pre-season involvement

Pre-season is important for players to get up to speed ahead of the upcoming season, but for Leeds-linked forward, Espi, he will not get the full benefits.

The striker has not been involved in Levante's pre-season friendlies, and now reports out of Spain have shared that the Valencia-based club have gone one step further.

According to Diario AS, Levante have now decided to exclude Espi from training amid "strong enquires" from Premier League clubs.

It doesn't say who's made the approaches, but previous reports have said that Leeds are one of those sides tracking Espi throughout this summer window.

The striker has a release clause of £21.4million, making negotations over a deal quite straightforward.

Levante are refusing to negotiate lower than that, as they do expect that to be triggered by one of the many interesting parties.

And for Espi, this summer is viewed as "one of the greatest opportunities of his life."

A move to the most watched league in the world would be quite the opportunity.

What happens next in Leeds' pursuit of Espi

While Espi is on Leeds' radar they have yet to formalise that interest.

With "several clubs" interested in a transfer this summer, the next step would be of course to make an approach.

However, Daniel Farke and the 49ers may be wary of adding to an already packed squad with the Whites yet to make cuts in their squad next season.

Out of last season's outcasts and likely players to depart, it has only been Illan Meslier who has left on a free transfer.

When the Whites begin to offload some players, they may then look to enter the striker market, but they could end up missing out on Espi in that event.