Leeds United have scouted Ecuador attacker Gonzalo Plata ahead of a potential future move, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Now at Real Valladolid, Plata - who shares the same agency as Leeds ace Luis Sinisterra - has been on the Elland Road radar for some time.

The Whites were thought to be readying an offer for the left-footed winger during the summer. As we know, a transfer failed to materialise, although Leeds have maintained their interest.

Plata played every minute of action for Ecuador at the World Cup in Qatar but will now be on the way home after his country exited at the group stage.

The Latest: Jacobs’ comments

Jacobs was speaking to GiveMeSport regarding Plata and Leeds, declaring that the Yorkshire outfit have scouted the attacker and their interest has not gone away.

He outlined: “Leeds are one club that have scouted him and have kept him on a longer-term radar. They have done that since last season, when he was still a loanee, but chose not to move.

“Part of the reason for that is because he wasn’t playing in La Liga at that point and the goalscoring form hasn’t translated into the top division in Spain as far as he’s concerned.

“That’s going to be one to watch because it’s one thing, last season, having that goalscoring run, which is very valuable as a winger. Anybody that can add assists, goals and has his pace is obviously going to be on the radar, but Real Valladolid are in La Liga this season and it’s been a step up.

“I think, therefore, it’s a wait and see mentality as far as a club like Leeds are concerned and they’re not the only one as well.”

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The Verdict: Needed?

Plata is primarily a right-winger who can also play on the left, so you could argue that Leeds need additions in other areas.

A new left-back and centre-forward appear to be positions that the Whites need to bolster, with both Junior Firpo and Patrick Bamford struggling for form and fitness during 2022.

The emergence of Crysencio Summerville has handed Jesse Marsch another solid option out wide, so a move for Plata may not be required at this moment in time.