Leeds have now 'scouted' 32-cap South American star at World Cup | OneFootball

Leeds United have ‘scouted’ Gonzalo Plata ahead of potentially attempting to lure the Real Valladolid star to Elland Road, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

The Whites have gone into the domestic break sitting just two points clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone, but Jesse Marsch will be given the opportunity to bolster his squad during the January transfer window.

Leeds transfer news – Gonzalo Plata

According to Newcastle World, Leeds have retained an interest in Plata after initially considering him as a replacement for Raphinha during the summer.

However, the Yorkshire giants are not the only side keeping tabs on the Ecuadorian right winger as transfer insider Dean Jones has previously told GIVEMESPORT that Newcastle United are admirers and Brighton & Hove Albion could enter the race for his signature.

Leeds head coach Marsch is also looking to strengthen his left-back options and, per TEAMtalk, could look to tempt Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro to Elland Road in January.

TEAMtalk have also revealed that Leeds have been in contact with AC Milan and asked to be kept informed of Charles De Ketelaere’s availability.

According to respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Whites lodged a bid worth £25.8million plus add-ons during the most recent transfer window, but the attacking midfielder left Club Brugge for the Serie A side instead.

What has Ben Jacobs said about Plata?

Jacobs understands that Leeds were tracking Plata before he joined Valladolid on a permanent basis during the summer, but their interest has not gone away.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “Leeds are one club that have scouted him and have kept him on a longer-term radar. They have done that since last season, when he was still a loanee, but chose not to move.

“Part of the reason for that is because he wasn’t playing in La Liga at that point and the goalscoring form hasn’t translated into the top division in Spain as far as he’s concerned.

“That’s going to be one to watch because it’s one thing, last season, having that goalscoring run, which is very valuable as a winger. Anybody that can add assists, goals and has his pace is obviously going to be on the radar, but Real Valladolid are in La Liga this season and it’s been a step up.

“I think, therefore, it’s a wait and see mentality as far as a club like Leeds are concerned and they’re not the only one as well.”

What are Plata’s stats at the World Cup?

According to Transfermarkt, Plata has scored five goals and registered a further four assists while claiming 32 Ecuador caps, while he has already made an impression at the World Cup.

SofaScore statistics show the 22-year-old still boasts a 100 pass completion rate in his own half from the South American country’s first two group stage clashes in Qatar.

Plata was also a huge presence during Ecuador’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands as, per SofaScore, he hit the woodwork, won two ground duels and completed one tackle.