Leeds United are reportedly looking to steal a march on River Plate’s pursuit of New York City FC forward Valentin Castellanos.
A recent report from La Pagina Millonaria has offered an update on the future of Valentin Castellanos. The 23-year-old New York City FC forward is being subjected to a move to River Plate, who are currently negotiating the terms of his exit from MLS. However, Leeds United have emerged as a late entrant in the race to sign the striker.
The Premier League outfit are prepared to offer €14 million for the services of Castellanos at the end of the season. The Argentine is admired by compatriot Marcelo Bielsa, who is keen on adding major reinforcements in the attacking unit after a horrid start to the 2021/22 campaign.
Indeed, the Whites have failed to live up to the hype from last season, with their campaign being marred by a series of injuries to star players. Patrick Bamford, in particular, has missed a chunk of the season due to several fitness issues, with his absence crippling the Leeds strikeforce that has scored only 27 goals in 23 matches.
Leeds were in contention to sign a new striker in January. They were even linked with a late swoop for Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, but nothing materialised in the end.
Provided the Yorkshire outfit manage to remain in the Premier League come May, they are expecting a busy summer ahead. Although Bielsa’s future remains unresolved amid an expiring contract, it appears the Argentine is already laying down plans for his strikeforce next season, with Castellanos a potential target.
A native of Mendoza, the 23-year-old has curiously never played football in Argentina. But he has had a flourishing career in MLS, netting 44 goals in 110 competitive matches since joining NYCFC in 2018. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Leeds prepared to make him a potential alternative for Bamford next season.
However, the report states Castellanos himself favours a move to River Plate. The Argentine giants are in the market for a new striker due to the impending departure of Julian Alvarez to Manchester City at the end of the season. It has tempted them to make a move for Castellanos, who is keen on proving himself in his homeland despite being given the opportunity to play in one of the biggest leagues in football.