Leeds rival Rangers for Colombian attacker billed as ‘next Sadio Mane’

Leeds United are reported to be considering a move for a Colombian striker high up on Rangers’ list of potential summer recruits.

The Glasgow giants are scouring the globe for top talent as they prepare for their return to the Champions League next season. However, they do so with doubts over the future of star men Ianis Hagi and Alfredo Morelos. Indeed Hagi has been strongly linked with a move to Serie A having impressed for Steven Gerrard’s side.

Hagi has enjoyed a fine season, scoring eight goals and supplying 15 assists from 45 matches in all competitions.

As such, Rangers are reported to be considering a move for rising America de Cali forward Santiago Moreno. 

The little-known Colombian striker has blistering pace and an eye for goal. Indeed, he has been compared to Liverpool forward Sadio Mane in his homeland.

Moreno has five goals and four assists in 22 appearances so far this season. Crucially, he’s also competed in the Copa Libertadores this season, which means he qualifies for Governing Body Endorsement (‘GBE’). That would ensure any transfer to the British Isles would be easier to get through red tape.

GBE is the highest level of competition in south American club football and is demonstrative of the pedigree and promise of Moreno.

It’s reported that the striker would fetch a fee of around £5million – would not put Rangers off.

However, as per Football Insider, Leeds United are also well aware of Moreno’s talents. Indeed, they report that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are considering a move of their own.

The 21-year-old has been earmarked by Leeds as a star with huge potential. It’s also claimed they are ‘in the market for a wide forward with potential this summer’.

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Leeds eye Hertha Berlin forward

Leeds are also reportedly keen on Hertha Berlin forward Matheus Cunha, who could be available for any club prepared to pay the ‘right price’.

He scored five league goals from just 11 appearances last term and has seven from 27 outings in 2020-2021. But it is not just all about the goals as the South American is also a provider, with six assists this season.

He is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but is attracting attention across Europe. In addition to the Whites, French club Monaco plus Italian duo Napoli and Atalanta also hold an interest.

But Sky Germany reporter Max Bielefeld (via Sport Witness) insists that the Elland Road outfit have shown most interest.

On Monday he said Leeds have been ‘following the player closely for months already’. And Hertha will reportedly sell for the ‘right price’ of €30m.

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