Two days ago, reports from Spain stated Leeds United have managed to get ahead of Barcelona in the chase for Mateo Joseph.
The 17-year-old is currently part of Espanyol’s academy and his profile has caught the attention of several clubs.
According to Grada3, the attacker has been separated from the Spanish club’s youth setup. He neither trains nor plays for them.
Espanyol took this step after Joseph refused to renew his contract.
The situation can be brought to an end if the player gives in and signs an extension or decides to leave when his contract expires. Neither seems possible and the solution may come in form of a sale.
This is where the Whites come in and their interest in Joseph is highlighted by Grada3.
It’s claimed the ‘negotiation is underway’ and the two clubs could reach an agreement for a fee of around €1m, a figure less than the player’s €1.5m release clause.
Espanyol didn’t want this outcome and ‘regret’ the attacker’s departure will ‘happen sooner or later’. Had Joseph signed an extension with his current employer, they had plans to include him in the first team squad for pre-season.
However, everything changed after Joseph refused to renew and Leeds showed interest. ‘Everything points’ to his future being far away from Espanyol and the only consolation is they will get money in exchange.
