‘Extraordinary’: Reported Leeds target was praised by former Barcelona boss earlier this year

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Reported Leeds United target Rodrigo was linked with Barcelona earlier this year, with former head coach Quique Setien describing the 29-year-old as “extraordinary”.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Whites chief Andrea Radrizzani has identified the Valencia attacker as a key transfer target ahead of Premier League football returning to Elland Road.

Marcelo Bielsa is likely to want more firepower in his ranks, given Patrick Bamford is the only senior striker currently on the books at Leeds.

With Los Che reported to be in financial difficulty and looking to reduce their operating budget ahead of next season, many of their first-team players are up for sale (Marca via Football Espana).

Rodrigo registered seven goals and 11 assists in 34 appearances for Valencia last season, though he missed the final few matches of the campaign with a knee injury.

Back in January, ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga trip to Valencia, Setien told Marca: “Rodrigo? I like all good players.

“He’s an extraordinary footballer, tomorrow he could give us problems and he is a key player for their team.

“I would have preferred if he wasn’t playing, but we know that if he’s not there then there is another player, Valencia have a great squad with or without Rodrigo.”

Rodrigo joined the Mestalla outfit initially on loan from Benfica in the summer of 2014 before moving permanently the following year for a reported 30m euro (around £27m).

To date, Rodrigo has registered 59 goals and 41 assists in 220 competitive appearances for Valencia.

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While Rodrigo’s goal tally may not stand out, he is still a very talented player, as shown by speculation linking him to Barcelona.

A 2018 scouting report from fansite Everything Barca wrote: “It seems like he possesses all the traits required to be a success at Barcelona.

“He is a very good passer, is very quick, can get past defenders, can hold up the ball and is a clinical finisher, even from outside the box and with his head.

“Rodrigo is a huge threat from counter-attacks, and has the ability to set up other players.”

Given his talent, experience, versatility, plaudits sent his way, and even some experience in English football – he had a loan spell at Bolton a decade ago – he certainly sounds like he’d tick a lot of boxes for Bielsa.