Leeds United are unlikely to move for Villarreal left-back Alfonso Pedraza, according to Graham Smyth.
The Spaniard spent half a year on loan at Elland Road in 2016/17 whilst Leeds were in the Championship, but has established himself as the first-choice pick at Villarreal.
Leeds are in the market for a new left-back with Junior Firpo injured, and had been linked with a move for their former loanee, but Smyth claims a move is unlikely.
Speaking on the Inside Elland Road Podcast, Smyth claimed that he cannot see the club making a move for the 26-year-old, with other targets in mind.
“A name that people will have seen is Pedraza, he’s at Villareal isn’t he, and he has been at Leeds United before,” Smyth stated.
“He played 16 games or something like that. I’m told he’s not topping any lists, that’s not one that Leeds are particularly chasing at the minute.”
TIF thoughts on Pedraza and Leeds…
Given that Leeds are in the market for not only a left-back, but a striker as well, they will need to be clever about how they spend their money in January.
Pedraza is Villarreal’s undisputed starting left-back, following Pervis Estupinan’s move to Brighton in the summer, and he will not come cheaply.
Other options the club are targeting include Maximillian Wober from Red Bull Salzburg, and given his previous history with Jesse Marsch, could be a good signing.
Although Pedraza is a quality player, having impressed as Villarreal reached the Champions League semi-finals last season, Leeds will be better served looking elsewhere.