Leeds could move for lightning quick World Cup star, he was their potential Raphinha replacement – journalist

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The World Cup is proving to be a brilliant platform for a number of Leeds United targets to showcase their talents.

A report from Ben Jacobs, via Give Me Sport, has now provided an update on Ecuador international Gonzalo Plata.

Plata has started both games for Ecuador in Qatar and helped them remain unbeaten in Group A.

A draw against Senegal this afternoon secures their place in the last 16 and lines up a potential meeting with England.

The young, Ecuador side has been one of the surprise packages of the tournament so far.

They were unlucky not to beat the Netherlands and put the hosts Qatar to the sword in the opening game of the tournament.

Plata is one of a number of young stars in the squad, playing alongside Brighton pair Moises Caicedo and Pervis Estupinan.

Jacobs now believes Leeds could move for Plata as they continue to look to improve their attacking options.

The 22-year-old was lined up as a potential replacement for Raphinha in the summer.

Leeds were tempted to sign Plata, had Real Valladolid not made his loan move permanent.

He could still end up at Elland Road in the near future, but hasn’t replicated last season’s goalscoring exploits in La Liga.

Leeds could move for Plata

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs gave the following update on Plata: “Leeds are one club that have scouted him and have kept him on a longer-term radar.

“They have done that since last season, when he was still a loanee, but chose not to move.

“Part of the reason for that is because he wasn’t playing in La Liga at that point and the goalscoring form hasn’t translated into the top division in Spain as far as he’s concerned.

“That’s going to be one to watch because it’s one thing, last season, having that goalscoring run, which is very valuable as a winger.

“Anybody that can add assists, goals and has his pace is obviously going to be on the radar, but Real Valladolid are in La Liga this season and it’s been a step up.

“I think, therefore, it’s a wait and see mentality as far as a club like Leeds are concerned and they’re not the only one as well.”

Plata is a hardworking, rapid winger who loves to dribble.

Ahead of the World Cup, journalist Dean Jones described him as a player with, ‘pace to burn, he’ll mesmerise people with his trickery and he’s got a finish on him as well’.

Leeds have a number of exciting, young attackers that are starting to make an impact in the Premier League.

The form of Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto ahead of the World Cup was certainly promising.

Leeds could move for Plata if they want to give themselves another explosive option in those positions.

However, his lack of end product for Valladolid this season means there may still be question marks over a move.