Over the past few days, several reports coming out of the Argentine media stated Leeds United are interested in Valentín Castellanos.
The forward is currently with New York City FC and finished the last Major League Soccer season with 22 goals and eight assists.
River Plate have been keen to acquire his services and their manager, Marcelo Gallardo, had confirmed his side’s interest in the player.
Two days ago, La Página Millonaria reported the South American club made an improved bid, after their initial proposal was turned down by the City Football Group [owner of New York City FC].
It was also stated Castellanos’ agent received a call from Leeds, who it’s said have shown willingness to make an offer of around $14 [€12.3m] to sign him in the summer.
Se cayó lo de Castellanos a #River por razones económicas. En el medio surgió un supuesto interés de #LeedsUnited , que lo desmiente y se siente usado por los agentes para inflar el precio del delantero, que además no reúne los puntos para ser admitido en UK pic.twitter.com/GnbOkpHTkr
— Claudio Mauri (@hcmauri) February 16, 2022
On Thursday, TN Deportivo explained the Argentine’s move to River Plate is unlikely to take shape and ‘could be sold’ to the Whites in June.
With Marcelo Bielsa’s side named as Castellanos’ suitor, La Nación journalist Claudio Mauri took to Twitter to provide an update on this case.
Mauri claims Leeds ‘deny’ having an interest in the attacker and ‘feel used by the agent’ to drive up their client’s price.
No no, no está en la mira de Leeds. Me lo desmintieron. Agentes usaron al Leeds para aumentar su cotización. Y además no reúne los puntos necesarios para jugar en UK. https://t.co/ApHTJJS400
— Claudio Mauri (@hcmauri) February 17, 2022
The journalist reiterated again Castellanos is not in Leeds’ sights. The English club have ‘denied’ these claims and believe ‘agents used Leeds to increase’ the South American’s asking price.
He further reported Castellanos will not be eligible to obtain the work permit to play in England.
