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Leeds turn to talented Barcelona striker as Victor Orta sniffs out bargain transfer

Ferran Jutgla, Barcelona striker during LaLiga match v Elche

Leeds United are preparing an £8m offer to tempt Barcelona into selling their upcoming striker Ferran Jutgla, according to reports in Spain.

The 22-year-old striker has enjoyed something of a rapid rise, having joined from Espanyol over the summer. Initially playing for their B side, Jutgla has been thrust into the first-team limelight in the wake of an injury to Memphis Depay.

Indeed, in five appearances for Barca, Jutlga has scored twice and appears to have the growing trust of new coach Xavi. And after scoring against Elche in LaLiga and again in the Copa del Rey, Jutlga has a growing army of admirers.

As such, reports in Spain claim a number of LaLiga suitors are ready to make their move for the forward.

However, as per El Nacional, the biggest interest comes from Leeds United, with director of football Victor Orta a reported admirer.

They state Leeds are looking to the Barcelona star as a possible option to boost their forward line. Indeed, they are currently without Tyler Roberts, Joe Gelhardt and Rodrigo Moreno, all of whom are sidelined by injury.

And while Patrick Bamford returns to the squad for Sunday’s FA Cup tie at West Ham, Leeds have often struggled for options there this season.

The good news for Leeds is that Jutgla could be signed for a very modest fee. When Espanyol released him last summer, Barcelona only snapped him up on a one-year deal.

Jutla out of contract in summer

Now, with just months remaining on that contract, El Nacional reports Orta is sniffing out a bargain deal.

And with finances tight at Barcelona, they may have little option but to accept Leeds’ offer should a bid arrive.

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Indeed, the article reports that Jutgla himself could be open to a move. His prospects look bleak at Barca with Depay and Ansu Fati returning to fitness.

And with Ferran Torres also signing from Manchester City earlier this week, his first-team hopes will likely suffer further.

Jutgla is capable of playing on either wing as well as a central striker; versatility that will appeal to Marcelo Bielsa.

Jutlga in, Summerville out at Leeds

Leeds, meanwhile, will consider a loan approach for Crysencio Summerville after this weekend’s FA Cup action, with Blackburn seemingly favourites.

The 20-year-old Dutchman has broken into the Leeds side this season and done well during his seven appearances to date. He has made just one start though and Leeds are seemingly open to a loan to further his experience.

That has prompted Rangers to express an interest in the former Feyenoord youngster.

However, they are not alone in their admiration for Summerville and a report claims Blackburn have now made contact.

As per Football Insider, Rovers boss Tony Mowbray wants Summerville signed as a replacement for Ian Poveda.

The wideman saw his season-long loan at Ewood Park brought to a premature end in November in the wake of an ankle injury. The former Manchester City man has recently been spotted holidaying in Abu Dhabi.

However, Mowbray is reportedly setting his sights on Summerville as a would-be replacement.

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