Transfer Expert: Significant update on Buendia & Leeds United

Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign Aston Villa star Emiliano Buendia after failing to convince him of the move in the summer.

This is according to former Villa scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at Villa Park and within the game as he exclusively told Football Insider that Unai Emery is willing to let the Argentina international leave in the January window.

However, Leeds are said to have reservations about the 27-year-old due to his lack of playing time and his difficulties establishing himself as a key player at Villa.

Buendia has made just eight league appearances for Emery’s side this season, all of which came from the bench, while he has started just two of his 13 appearances in all competitions.

Interest at Elland Road has emerged as he is said to have maintained a positive relationship with Daniel Farke after their time together at Norwich.

Meanwhile, Leeds are keen to add to their squad in the January transfer window to help strengthen their push for promotion and prepare for the step up to the Premier League.

Buendia is seen as a potential candidate to help them, while his versatility also makes him a highly-regarded prospect by the recruitment team.

Leeds United plot move to sign Aston Villa star Emi Buendia

Buendia turned down a move to join his former boss at Elland Road in the summer as he was reluctant to step down into the Championship after Villa reached the Champions League.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level recruitment after spending over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that the midfielder would now be more open to the move given his lack of playing time under Emery.

“He turned down the move in the summer because it was a step down,” he told Football Insider.

“But from where he is at the moment, it would be a step up because he isn’t playing.

“He’s got a good reputation at Aston Villa, but he’s not exactly shone there.

“I don’t think Unai Emery fancies him as a part of his team, so he’d be open to letting him go.

“Leeds are a very, very good Championship side, but I don’t think they’re a Premier League side at the moment. They’re somewhere in between.

“They’ll be looking to add the type of quality which can help them make that step up.

“One thing Buendia does give you is the ability to play wide or in the middle, so that gives you that added dimension to your team and a different option.

“So I understand the interest is there, but I think they also have reservations about him.”

In other news, Patrick Bamford wants to leave Leeds in January.

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The post Transfer Expert: Significant update on Buendia & Leeds United appeared first on Football Insider.