Juan Cruz could become the assist king Leeds United hoped Barry Douglas would be

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Leeds United are reportedly on the hunt for Spanish left-back Juan Cruz this summer. That is according to a report from Diario AS, who claim the West Yorkshire side are keen on the player, who has a £3.5 million release clause. 

It will not be an easy transfer pursuit. The likes of Getafe, Real Betis, Real Valladolid, Osasuna, and RCD Mallorca are also keen on the 27-year-old. 

The full-back has been in fine form for Spanish second-tier side Elche this season, having been unleashed from his more defensive full-back role and given a more attacking responsibility. 

So could Leeds be getting the player they wanted when they signed Barry Douglas from Wolves by securing Cruz?

Leeds paid a reported (Sky Sports) £3 million for the Scottish star after Wolves had decided it was time to let him go in 2018. 

It came off the back of a very impressive season for Douglas with Wolves. He provided 14 Championship assists in 39 games for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men. 

However, injuries and form have meant Leeds fans have not seen the best of Douglas at Elland Road.  

He has provided five assists in his two seasons for Leeds. Cruz has been one of the most productive attacking players in the Segunda Liga this term, providing eight assists in 27 games. Only Saul Berjon and Adrian Embarba of Real Oviedo and Rayo Vallecano have more. 

He would cost roughly the same as Douglas did and might provide the attacking dynamism Leeds had hoped from the former Wolves man.