Leeds target Real Madrid youngster Miguel Gutierrez but face battle to convince Zidane to approve transfer
LEEDS have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit to sign Real Madrid starlet Miguel Gutierrez in the summer.
The 19-year-old left-back is highly-rated by boss Zinedine Zidane, with the defender featuring as a substitute in the last three LaLiga matches.
Big things are expected of the Spain youth international, who has been rumoured to be the subject of a failed bid from Tottenham.
And now El Espanol have claimed that Leeds are looking to try their luck in luring the teenager to the Premier League.
The Yorkshire outfit are on the lookout for a new full-back with Ezgjan Alioski set to depart Elland Road when his contract expires at the end of the season.
It has been said that the Whites are huge admirers of Gutierrez, with Marcelo Bielsa of the belief he can further develop his talents as he has done with Pascal Struijk and Kalvin Phillips.
But it appears unlikely that Leeds will nab the player, as Zidane looks for him to provide regular competition for Ferland Mendy next campaign.
The news outlet states that Los Blancos are keen to sell Marcelo in the upcoming transfer window, where they will promote Gutierrez to be the back-up left-back.
And Leeds know they are facing an uphill battle in being able to convince Zidane in letting the ex-Getafe academy ace leave.
Speaking last year, Spain’s U-17 manager David Gordo backed Gutierrez to be one of Europe’s top defender’s in the future.
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He told AS: “If they [Real Madrid] give him minutes and he plays games, he will be a top left-back.
“He has the characteristics of the perfect left-back for Real Madrid.
“He has quality, ability to get forward, a nice strike, he is ambitious and he has a winning mentality. He has a very bright future.”