KEY POINTS

  • Rodrigo Moreno is nearing a deal to move to Leeds United
  • Rodrigo to undergo medical before the move to Leeds is finalized
  • Valencia continues to sell players as they try to manage their financial situation

Leeds United are closing on Rodrigo Moreno with reports that The Peacocks are nearing a deal with the Spanish striker. Once he passes his medical, Rodrigo will become the latest player to leave Valencia CF which is trying to figure out its financial stature.

Rodrigo has yet to agree to personal terms with the Premier League club pending a medical. But from the tweet that Valencia posted, it appears the 29-year-old is headed out the door. Los Murcielago's already thanked the Spanish player for his contributions the last six seasons, including one where he helped the club win a Cup title.

"Valencia CF want to thank Rodrigo Moreno for his commitment and effort over the last six seasons - in which he helped to win a Cup title. We wish him all the best in this new stage of his career at @LUFC," the Twitter post read.

Last season, Rodrigo finished with eight goals for Valencia which finished the season ninth in La Liga. He arrived from Benfica in 2014 but initially on loan. His move would be made permanent the following year.

Rodrigo's return to Premier League should be a sweet one considering it has been almost a decade since his last game. He spent a season in Bolton in 2010 where he only managed to score once in 21 appearances, Sky Sport reported. He now gets a chance to make up for that and show his mettle once more.

Rodrigo becomes the latest player to be signed by Leeds United. Jack Harrison is back following a loan spell to Manchester City and there are several additions for next season. The list includes Joe Gelhardt, Illan Meslier, Heldero Costa, Charlie Allen and Cody Drameh.

One name that could have joined the mix is Ben White. Unfortunately, Brighton is refusing to sell the 22-year-old to a Premier League rival. The Whites dangled a $32.86 million bid for White but the offer was thumbed down. It was the third bid of Leeds United for White.

Rodrigo Moreno Benfica
Striker Rodrigo Moreno has tested the English waters before, but was largely unsuccessful in his one-year loan to Bolton in 2010. Reuters

Valencia continues to struggle financially with players being paid IOU notes. The COVID-19 pandemic has struck the club hard and they are now trying to balance their books. Unfortunately, that includes having to sell off some players to clubs, the latest of which is Rodrigo.