Leeds United are keeping close tabs on Osasuna playmaker Fran Merida, according to the Mail.
The newspaper claim that the Championship leaders are compiling a dossier on the left-footed creator as they continue to look at players who can take their side to the next level.
The Mail report that Leeds’ scouts have been dispatched to regularly watch Merida, who has similar qualities to his fellow Spaniard, Samuel Saiz.
Merida, 27, is also a gifted playmaker renowned for his vision and technical quality, although he plays in a slightly deeper role than Saiz, who has made such a big impact at Leeds since his £3million summer transfer from Huesca.
Merida also spent 18 months at second-tier Huesca, where he had an impressive record of 10 goals from 60 matches.
Merida began his career at Barcelona before joining Arsenal’s academy as a teenager. He spent five seasons at the Premier League giants but made only 16 senior appearances.
Good move for Leeds?
The club’s interest in Merida is intriguing. With director of football Victor Orta pulling the strings, there is a clear policy in place of finding value in the transfer market through overseas gems in the mould of Saiz, Felix Wiedwald and Ezgjan Alioski. It is a big departure from the Garry Monk strategy of signing battle-hardened Championship performers. Merida has clear pedigree – a Barcelona and Arsenal academy graduate with six Spain Under-21 caps is proof of that – but might feel he has not fulfilled his potential. Entering his peak years, the Spaniard is a classy midfielder with the ability to dictate the tempo of a match. Moreover, he speaks English and knows English football. If he thrives for Huesca this season, he could be a smart signing.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
It is early days, but Leeds’ reported interest shows that Merida is firmly in their sights. He will need a strong campaign in the Spanish second tier to remain there.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10