Manager reveals Victor Orta “passed on information” on Leeds man – Determined to work with ‘gem’

Leeds United chief Victor Orta has been sending information to Spain’s U21s as they try to ensure youngster Mateo Joseph picks them over England.

That’s according to Spain U21 coach Denia, who revealed the agreement with the Leeds chief after he was called up to England’s U20s.

Cadena COPE cover the striker today, labelling him ‘another gem that escapes Spain’s grasp’ after he opted to play for England’s U20 side and not the Spanish U21s.

That is possible as he has dual nationality, having been born to an English father and Spanish mother. He was on Denia’s shortlist, with the manager confirming as much when asked about him.

“Mateo Joseph is an important player for us. Victor Orta, sporting director of Leeds, has passed on information to us and he has been monitored,” COPE report him saying.

He still appears to hold out hope of working with the Leeds man in future, and convincing him to avoid England and choose Spain.

At the moment his recent decision ‘hints at his future international path’, but Spain’s feeling is that there is still time for him to change, as Alejandro Garnacho did with Argentina.

He started out playing for Spain’s U18s before opting for Argentina and the hope is that there can be a repeat case here.

Whether there is remains to be seen, but Spain at least seem to have Orta on their side and we’re sure he’ll play as much of a part in the Leeds youngster’s international future as possible.