Talented Real Betis man gives positive response to replacing Leeds regular

Alex Moreno, Real Betis

Alex Moreno has responded to our exclusive which revealed the Real Betis star was a summer target for Marcelo Bielsa as Leeds United search for a replacement for Gjanni Alioski.

Alioski has played 32 times for Leeds this season and is very much a trusted member of Bielsa’s side. However, the versatile star is out of contract in just under three months time. Talks over an extension at Leeds have been going on for some time. However, an agreement over a new deal has yet to be reached and he’s been linked with a move to Galatasaray.

As such, Leeds have made the signing of a new left-back one of their transfer priorities this summer. The likes of Patrick van Aanholt – available on a free himself as his Crystal Palace deal nears a conclusion – has been linked.

However, Leeds are also looking to Spain. Indeed our exclusive last week revealed an interest in Real Betis’ Moreno.

The 27-year-old can play anywhere down the left and is a target for a number of Premier League clubs, including West Ham.

Moreno has played 23 La Liga games this season, notching two assists. 

Now Moreno has been asked about the interest from Leeds and admitted his agent has made him aware of the links.

And the player, speaking to BeIN Sports, seemed flattered by the interest.

“It is true that they have called my agent, big clubs, but I don’t know anything,” he said.

“I’m focused on finishing LaLiga by qualifying for Europe with Betis.

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“My agent has told me to focus on Betis, on the games that remain. It is the task of the agents.

“(But) it is a source of pride that big clubs notice me.”

Moreno has a €35m exit clause in his contract. And while that’s more than Leeds would be willing to spend, it’s thought Betis could allow him to leave for a fee of around €15m (£13m).


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Leeds face competition for Forest star

Burnley and Brentford have reportedly joined Leeds in the chase to sign highly-rated Nottingham Forest and Wales attacking midfielder Brennan Johnson.

The 19-year-old has been an everpresent while on loan at high-flying League One side Lincoln City this season. His eye-catching performances have caught the attention of a number of top clubs, along with the Wales national team selectors.

Johnson already has two senior caps to his name and made his Wales debut against the USA back in November.

Brennan Johnson TEAMtalk

While he is expected to head back to Forest this summer, it may not be for too long. The Atheltic claims that Burnley, Brentford and another unnamed Premier League side all want the youngster.

The same source claimed back in January that Leeds wanted the player. To that end, it’s fair to suggest that Bielsa’s men are still keen.

Forest boss Chris Hughton is expected to give Johnson a chance to prove himself in the first season next season.

He said recently, when asked if Johnson can make a name for himself at the City Ground: “I hope so. He is an offensive player, he is our player and he has done what we have asked him to.

“There are no guarantees that he will do it at the next level up. But he has put himself in a really good position. In any conversation that I have with him, the message would be that he could not have done any more than he has.”

It’s reported that Johnson could command a fee of £10m were he to move on.

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