Leeds want prolific Espanyol striker as potential replacement for star – report
Leeds are back on the trail of Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas as they consider their transfer options in 2022, claims a report.
United finally claimed a first win of the season against Watford at Elland Road on Saturday following a difficult start to the season. That win came at the seventh time of asking – a club-record equalling start to the season.
The match at Elland Road was notable for Patrick Bamford’s absence; the striker missing out for a second week in a row. His absence has given club-record signing Rodrigo Moreno a chance to underline his qualities in a rare start as a central striker.
And while his performance level was of a decent standard, he is yet to score or assist for Leeds in eight games this season. Compared to Bamford – who has one goal and two assists from five starts so far – it’s clear Leeds clearly rely on the recent England debutant.
As such, reports in Spain claim Leeds are looking for an option to ‘unseat’ Rodrigo in their squad. And as per Todofijaches, the Whites are looking once again at Espanyol striker De Tomas.
Leeds were linked with the former Real Madrid man in summer 2017 and summer 2020. It’s reported that the 26-year-old striker has a huge admirer in Marcelo Bielsa.
As such, Todofijaches claims the Whites are monitoring him once again amid their claims that Rodrigo could depart.
Leeds not giving up on Noa Lang
Leeds still remain interested in attacker Noa Lang, as Kalvin Phillips touted to join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The report claims Espanyol would command a fee of around €25m for the striker, who has three goals and one assist from eight appearances this season.
They state Leeds could even move for De Tomas in the January window were the Barcelona-based side show a willingness to sell.
And were they to land him, the report claims it could lead to the departure of Rodrigo.
The 30-year-old striker – a club-record signing in August 2020 – has scored seven times and has two assists from 36 appearances in a Leeds shirt.
Mo Salah vs Jamie Vardy – Which Premier League hitman is more likely to stay the course?
De Tomas stock on the rise
De Tomas, meanwhile, has seen his stock rise on the back of a brilliant season so far with Espanyol.
Following their relegation from LaLiga in 2019/20, he opted to stay and help the club try and secure promotion.
And achieve that he did, netting an excellent 23 goals in 38 games. His overall record for Espanyol reads 30 goals in 60 games.
Now back in the big time, his rise is being noted not just at Leeds United.
He was on the scoresheet over the weekend as Espanyol claimed a 2-1 win over league leaders Real Madrid.
Speaking after the game, the former Real Madrid youth player said: “Obviously, I have a Madridista past and I consider myself a Madridista.
“But I work for my team. We have beaten the leader of the competition, we have to be very satisfied.
“Let this not stay here, we must transfer it after the international break.”
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE ~ Leeds taking a close look at Getafe midfielder causing ripples in LaLiga