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Standout Leeds summer signing on Euro giants ‘radar’ after chief scout’s scheming, with price revealed

Luis Sinisterra, August 2022

AC Milan are still keen on Leeds United winger Luis Sinisterra after their chief scout monitored his progress, one journalist has claimed.

The Colombia international moved to Elland Road this summer from Feyenoord in a deal reportedly worth around £21million. He was the second marquee player from his country to arrive in the Premier League this year.

Indeed, Luis Diaz signed for Liverpool from Porto in January and hit the ground running.

Sinisterra has done much the same at Leeds following three goals in his first six games in all competitions.

According to Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti, though, Serie A champions AC Milan remain keen on the 23-year-old. Their chief scout, Geoffrey Moncada, reportedly watched the former Eredivisie star.

“My big dream is only one, Luis Sinisterra,” Pellegatti told his YouTube channel. “At Feyenoord he played on the left, but at Colombia and Leeds he starts from the right.

“He reminds me to death of Leao, even if he is less overbearing and devastating in the race. But he has great class and confidence, he reminds me of Rafa.”

Sinisterra arrived as the replacement for Raphinha, who left for Barcelona in the summer.

He has hit the ground running in Jesse Marsch’s side and will want to return from the international break in the same form.

Sinisterra in AC Milan transfer sights

Pellegatti added that Sinisterra would still be affordable for Milan, who beat Leeds to former Club Brugge midfielder Charles de Ketelaere.

“Having one on the right and the other on the left, with De Ketelaere as an attacking midfielder, would drive me crazy,” the reporter added.

“Moncada followed him, Milan likes him. He has a market value of 25-35 million, therefore in the range of the club.”

Sinisterra signed a five-year contract at Leeds and boss Marsch insisted he can enjoy a fantastic debut season in West Yorkshire.

He said at the start of September that he thinks the winger “is going to emerge as a big player for us”.

Sinisterra was Leeds’ sixth summer signing, with Marsch’s fellow American Brenden Aaronson also joining the ranks among other players.

Leeds star on the right track

Sinisterra will no doubt return to his club duties full of confidence after the September international break.

Indeed, he scored three goals in international friendlies against Guatemala and Mexico.

They were his first goals for Colombia and his record in seven caps makes for impressive reading already.

It is therefore a shame that Colombia are not at the World Cup. There are several players looking to make their marks in the tournament after summer transfers and Sinisterra would have fitted into that category.

Nevertheless, it is a boost for Leeds, who have already suffered injury problems up front with Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo.

All three could well get a rest while the World Cup is on. Bamford is highly unlikely to make the England team. Rodrigo has played 27 times for Spain but did not make the Nations League camp in June before his injury ruled him out of the September camp.

And that can only be good news for Leeds, who are looking to kick on after sealing their Premier League survival on the final day of the season last term.