Report: Leeds expected to complete signing of PL rival’s target in January; fee disclosed

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Leeds United are now expected to complete a deal to sign Mateo Fernandez in the January transfer window, with the Daily Mail reporting that Barcelona and Manchester City are amongst those set to miss out on the teenage striker.

The Whites have rarely been busy in the winter window during Marcelo Bielsa’s time at Elland Road. In fact, none of the senior players signed in a January window under Bielsa currently find themselves at the club.

However, they have managed to sign a number of talented young players midway through the season. And it appears that they look set to continue that trend of bolstering their under-23 ranks this time around.

The Daily Mail reports that a deal for Fernandez is expected to go through. Leeds are set to pay around £420,000 for the 18-year-old, who is currently on the books at Espanyol.

Interestingly, the report adds that Fernandez actually qualifies for England.

Coup for Leeds to beat Manchester City and Barcelona to Fernandez move

It will be fascinating to see how Fernandez fares if he ends up moving to Leeds at the start of next year. Certainly, there will be plenty of intrigue amongst the Elland Road faithful.

It takes a lot for a player to really stand out in Mark Jackson’s ranks, such is the quality that the current under-23 side possesses.

But it would appear to be a real coup for Leeds. Interest from Barcelona and Manchester City provides an insight into how highly he is thought of.

Fernandez, for his part, may well be making an incredibly smart move. Bielsa has relied on a number of under-23 starlets in recent times, with Joe Gelhardt, Cody Drameh and Crysencio Summerville amongst those to make their senior debut this season.

And Leeds do not have a raft of out-and-out strikers knocking on the door. The likes of Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Max Dean are all capable of playing in a variety of positions.

Perhaps Fernandez will be used in a similar manner. But if he can stamp his authority on the striker position, there is certainly a fantastic opportunity for him at Leeds.