Leeds hopeful of meeting key midfielder’s demands in contract talks

Leeds United are still looking to tie down Pablo Hernandez to a new deal at Elland Road, according to reports.

In a team that sits 13th in the Championship table and has scored only 53 goals all season, Hernandez has contributed seven goals and eight assists in only 30 starts.

Phil Hay in the Yorkshire Evening Post claims that Leeds are still “locked in talks” with Hernandez’s representatives and remain “hopeful” that they can get the Spaniard to extend his stay in Yorkshire.

The 32-year-old proved his worth over the weekend against relegation strugglers Sunderland with Leeds’ equalising goal and man-of-the-match performance.

Hernandez is one of the players in the running for Leeds’ Player of the Year award and he currently looks the favourite to scoop the gong.

Former Leeds boss Garry Monk, now manager of Birmingham City, has been linked with a move for his old player with the Blues apparently keeping tabs on Hernandez.

He signed a 12-month deal last summer which expires at the end of June but Paul Heckingbottom recently said of his desire to keep Hernandez at the club beyond this campaign.

“From my point of view, since I’ve been here, Pablo’s been great,” Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Leeds.

“He’s had a couple of injury issues which we’ve wanted him to get over because hes been one of the most important players for us on the pitch.

“He scored a great goal at Reading, he’s been creative, he’s a good example for the players. He’s a quiet guy but he is a leader in how he conducts himself, how he trains, how he looks after himself, so he’s someone who I’d love to keep, definitely.

“Pablo knows that now and I suppose that’s the first part of trying to get something done.”