Valencia confirmed they have agreed personal terms with Leeds over the signing of Spanish international forward Rodrigo. The 29-year-old has been a stalwart of Leeds United transfer news over the last few days.
Personal terms and a medical stand between Leeds and completing the signing of Rodrigo. They are set to break their club record transfer fee, which was set when they acquired Rio Ferdinand from West Ham in 2000.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville will undoubtedly be very impressed with this signing.
Neville managed Rodrigo during his disastrous spell as Valencia manager and despite injuries limiting their time to work together, the former Manchester United defender liked what he saw.
Speaking in 2016, Neville said, “Since he returned from Christmas he has trained fantastically well. He had a very good impact in the Real Madrid game. I believe in him a lot, I have a lot of faith.”
There has been widespread praise for the ambition Leeds are showing with a signing of Rodrigo’s calibre.
Injuries, as they were during Neville’s Valencia tenure, are still a concern, but if fit, Rodrigo could be a real difference maker for the Yorkshire club in their return to the Premier League.
Leeds In Good Position To Land Ryan Kent
Leeds had a £10 million bid rejected for Ryan Kent recently, but The Athletic’s Phil Hay has reported the club are in a good position to get a deal done for the winger before the window closes.
With a new bid set to be tabled by Leeds, Rangers’ resolve will be tested for Kent, a player who Steven Gerrard is clearly keen to keep hold of.
As reported here, however, Gerrard has suggested Kent may have a release clause in his contact. It’s certainly a messy situation at the moment.
While Leeds are clearly keen to push on in their pursuit of Kent, the Scottish Sun has reported the 23-year-old is not looking to leave Ibrox this window and is angered by the reports that he wants to move to Elland Road.
Robinson Excited By Kent Links
Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Leeds can force through a move for Kent if they want to. Robinson, speaking to MOT Leeds News, spoke positively about the links with Kent.
He said, “Ryan Kent is a very good player and he’d be an exciting addition to the squad at Leeds. Leeds have made no secret about their interest, the bid has gone in.”
Ryan Kent urged to stay at Rangers by Leeds favourite Mel Sterland as he opens up on heartbreaking Ibrox departurehttps://t.co/pUxzQPHyNs
— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) August 26, 2020
Robinson also suggested there could be conflict between the manager and the board as these negotiations continue.
“Leeds are going to have to pay top dollar. The first bid rejected was £10m, I think the manager will want double that although there could be a disagreement between the manager and the Rangers board on this.”
This is a saga will could run on for a while yet. Keep up to date with all the latest Leeds transfer news and rumours at 888sport.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
