Leeds United are reportedly ready to battle with Newcastle United for the signings of Real Valladolid pair Gonzalo Plata and Ivan Fresneda.
The Lowdown: Marsch eyeing up signings
Jesse Marsch has had plenty of time to work on the training ground during the 2022 World Cup, as he looks to steer his Whites side away from the Premier League relegation zone.
His current squad will surely have benefitted from a month of behind-closed-doors work, but new signings are still likely to be required, and with the January transfer window edging closer, Leeds are thought to be hunting a new forward and left-back.
Now, a rumour regarding an exciting double swoop has emerged.
The Latest: Leeds keen on Valladolid duo
According to reports in Spain [via Sport Witness], winger Plata and full-back Fresneda are 'in the sights' of both Leeds and Newcastle, ahead of a scramble for their signatures.
They are seen as Valladolid's 'most marketable players' and they would consider selling if a 'very good offer' arrived. Victor Orta has apparently marked the pair 'in red' on his wishlist.
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The Verdict: Ideal for squad depth
Battling with Newcastle is never going to be easy now, given their newfound financial power, but Leeds signing both Plata and Fresneda could be exciting business.
The former is a young attacking midfielder with two assists to his name in La Liga this season, while the latter is just 18 years of age but has already started four league games in 2022/23, noted for his "beastly" crossing ability.
Plata and Fresneda would add a freshness and long-term potential to Leeds' squad, providing depth in areas that need it and potentially growing into key starters over time.