BARCELONA starlet Riqui Puig could reportedly swap the Nou Camp for Elland Road in January as Leeds look to sign him on loan.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been a peripheral figure under Ronald Koeman so far this season, appearing in just one LaLiga game.
Leeds have been linked with a shock move for Barcelona midfielder Riqui PuigCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Big things were expected of the Spanish youth international – who boasts a whopping £88million release clause – after he featured 12 times for the first team last term.
However he has been limited to just three minutes of top-flight football this campaign, leading to speculation he will be on his way out of Catalonia in the New Year.
According to Diario Sport via the Daily Mail, Puig’s agent has been in contact with Leeds ahead of a potential loan switch.
It has been claimed that the Whites are seen as an attractive option for the youngster due to Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play.
However the newly-promoted Premier League aren’t the only club that are vying to secure his signature.
Puig – dubbed ‘the new Andres Iniesta’ – is understood to be attracting interest from both RB Leipzig and Monaco.
Meanwhile Real Betis could look to keep Puig in Spain with the club in the market for a midfielder following the injury to Sergio Canales.
Speaking in October, Puig stated he wanted to stay despite his lack of game time as he believed he would force his way into contention.
He told Marca: “It is true that if I do not have minutes with the club, it will be very difficult to go to the Euros (with Spain).
“I think that at Barca I will end up having minutes and some opportunities and will be able to go to the Euros.
“Yes, I am optimistic (of minutes), otherwise I would not have stayed at Barca.
“At Barca I want to succeed, claim a position and I don’t see any other way. I’m very happy in Barcelona, I have my family, I think I’ll end up playing.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
