Leeds United are preparing to step up their pursuit of Sporting CP winger Gonzalo Plata, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness).
The lowdown: Hot property
After taking the well-trodden pathway from South America to Europe when moving from Independiente to Sporting Lisbon in 2020, Plata struggled to make the desired impact in Portugal.
Sent out on loan to La Liga.2 outfit Real Valladolid for the 2021/22 campaign however, the Ecuador international has recaptured his best form and now is in the middle of a transfer tussle.
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Valladolid are keen on making the move permanent but a hesitancy over his lofty release clause has alerted Leeds, and the Yorkshire giants are seemingly waiting to pounce...
The latest: Whites ready
As per Correio da Manha, translated by SW, Leeds 'will advance' with their own bid should Valladolid reject a €10million (£8.5million) option to buy.
Valladolid have currently bid just €7million (£5.9million) for the 21-year-old, who was described as 'lethal and sublime' by journalist Marina Marco back in November 2021.
It's claimed that Sporting are 'in expectation' that Plata will move on this summer and Leeds are attentive to the situation, with the press in Portugal believing it 'sounds like' the Whites will win the race.
The verdict: Raphinha replacement?
At the mooted fee, a wholehearted move for Plata would make an abundance of sense for owner Andrea Radrizzani and Director of Football Victor Orta as the hierarchy attempt to bolster the Elland Road ranks.
Last term, the 27-cap Ecuadorian scored six times and registered five assists in 30 league appearances, earning a 6.96 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.0 duels, making 1.4 key passes and completing 2.3 successful dribbles on average per game - that's actually more take-ons per match than Raphinha.
Predominantly operating as a right-winger, Plata could feasibly be viewed as a realistic and affordable option to replace the Brazilian in Jesse Marsch's squad as the former Rennes starlet continues to be linked with a move away from Leeds.
In other news, another Leeds transfer target has emerged.