Leeds News

Orta at risk of fruitless spending with move for Leeds-linked £2.7m-rated man – opinion

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Leeds Director of Football Victor Orta is at risk of fruitlessly spending United’s remaining transfer budget, after TEAMtalk linked the Whites with former Celta Vigo midfielder Nemanja Radoja.

Fran Escriba’s Abanca-Balaidos natives released the 26-year-old at the close of last season, marking the end of a five-year relationship together, having brought the former Serbia international to Spain from boyhood side Vojvodina in 2014.

His free agent status ensures United would still be able to acquire the 26-year-old’s services despite the transfer window closing for Premier League and Championship sides back on August 8.

We would, however, face competition from a number of top-flight and second-tier sides.

Along with Leeds, TEAMtalk cite West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion as two outfits interested in striking a deal with the Novi Sad-born defensive midfielder, who is understood to be in possession of an EU Passport – which would support his case for a UK work permit.

Radoja is also said to be interested in sealing a move to England this summer, but Orta should see no need to acquire the £2.7million-rated free agent.

Our Director of Football was able to fend off the interest of top-flight sides in Kalvin Phillips this summer, and the Leeds-born anchor has kicked off the season as strongly as he served Marcelo Bielsa last term.

Adam Forshaw has stepped up his game from last season and is impressing in the more advanced midfield role alongside Mateusz Klich, as well, while Alfie McCalmont has the potential to be the more defensive option the boss turns to if Phillips needs a rest.

The young Whites product has only displayed a slimmer of his ability with the first-team after a strong campaign in the Under 23s, and deserves to be offered further opportunities to shine – rather than fall back down the pecking order with the arrival of a 2-cap former international, who sat out the entire 2018/19 season as Celticos fought off the threat of relegation.

Radoja was not necessarily impressive with Celta Vigo during the 2017/18 season, either, with the 26-year-old recording an average of 1.5 successful tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.9 clearances and 0.7 blocks per ninety minutes during his 26 La Liga appearances.

The defensive midfielder, whose market value peaked in 2017 at £7.2million, was also dispossessed 1.2 times per ninety minutes and lost possession through unsuccessful touches 1.2 times, while winning 1.6 of his 2.8 aerial duels.

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