LEEDS UNITED are on the verge of signing the “next Riyad Mahrez”, according to reports.
Despite being perilously close to the bottom three, the Whites are seemingly already looking at targets for next season.
And reports in Spain claim the Prem strugglers are closing in on Barcelona wonderkid Ilias Akhomach.
That’s according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, who claim the 18-year-old will leave the Nou Camp in the summer.
They also claim Leeds are in advance negotiations to sign the winger – who has courted interest from another of other clubs.
Leeds are reportedly set to pip AC Milan, Sevilla and Club Brugge to the signature of Akhomach, whose departure must be finalised this month.
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Spanish outlet El Chiringuito claim Leeds have agreed a four-year deal with Akhomach – whose wizardry on the pitch has drawn comparisons to Manchester City ace Mahrez.
Akhomach caught the eye of his suitors thanks to a string of solid displays for Barcelona’s second string, who he made 39 appearances for.
And his displays earned him a call-up to the first team in the 2021-22 season, in which he made three appearances for the Catalan giants.
He has, however, yet to feature for the first team this campaign.
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It’s unknown if Leeds’ potential return to the Championship will affect their deal for Akhomach.
Javi Gracia’s troops are currently a point away from safety in 19th place.
Leeds will look to lift themselves out of the relegation zone on Saturday when they travel to Molineux to take on Wolves.
They travel to the Black Country on the back of a 2-2 draw with Brighton.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
