Leeds United are in hot pursuit of Athletic Bilbao defensive midfielder Ander Iturraspe, according to AS.
The newspaper claimed via their Basque edition on Monday [March 11, page 14] that Iturraspe’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Leeds have already looked at signing the 30-year-old in each of the last two transfer windows.
It is understood that Iturraspe was temped by the Yorkshire giants’ interest last summer and in January, and he could make a free transfer to Elland Road at the end of this season, especially if the Whites are win promotion to the Premier League.
Good move for Leeds?
Iturraspe is someone who Marcelo Bielsa knows well, having made the midfielder a key part of his side during his days at Athletic Bilbao.
The two-times Spain international occupied the role that Kalvin Phillips currently does at Elland Road and he is a tried and tested midfielder for the Argentine boss.
He has not played a lot of football this season though, appearing just four times across all competitions, with his last La Liga appearance coming against Valencia in September.
If Leeds are promoted they should try to sign someone who has been playing a lot more regularly than Iturraspe, but he could be a good signing if they fail to win promotion.
This is Futbol rating 5/10
Likely to happen?
Iturraspe appears to be edging towards leaving Athletic after making 319 appearances for the Spanish club.
Whether he heads to Leeds or not will surely depend on what league they are playing in next season.
It is still early in March and too soon to be talking about transfers, especially when there is so much uncertainty.
This is Futbol rating 3/10