Leeds United 'express interest' in 47-cap Morocco star Azzedine Ounahi after relegation with Girona
Leeds United credited with interest in Morocco international Azzedine Ounahi after Girona relegation
Leeds United have reportedly expressed interest in signing Morocco international Azzedine Ounahi from Spanish outfit Girona.
The 26-year-old, a cultured midfielder, was unable to prevent Girona finishing 19th in the La Liga table and suffering relegation to the second tier.
Vultures often circle in the aftermath of relegation and it appears Girona could face interest in Ounahi this summer.
Leeds United linked with Morocco star
According to MOT Leeds News, Leeds are among the clubs to have moved early to express interest in the Casablanca-born star.
The report of interest comes after a strong season for Ounahi in Spain, one in which he managed five goals and three assists across just 24 outings.
Girona are reportedly expecting interest in the former Angers and Panathinaikos man, who they only signed from Marseille last year.
Leeds United’s midfield
Leeds have a crowded central midfield department but have been linked with a clutch of players who operate in the middle of the park.
Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach have been the standouts in Daniel Farke’s midfield, with Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and Sean Longstaff providing competition.
There was speculation over a potential exit for Tanaka earlier this year, but the World-Cup bound Japan international managed to force his way back into the starting XI at Elland Road.
A crucial summer ahead for Leeds United
Farke has made it clear he does want Leeds to rest on their laurels in the manner they did during their last spell in the Premier League.
He wants to see the club push forward and upgrades in a number of areas across the pitch may be required in order for the Whites to do so.
In a recent interview with The Yorkshire Post, ex-Whites defender Stephen Warnock insisted his former employers must be ruthless with their transfer dealings.
He said: “I think there's got to be an element of ruthlessness. When you watch certain players, you can see there's more to come from them, and Daniel Farke will be, every single day on the training ground, thinking ‘this player can improve’.
“I don't think Leeds can afford to carry people within the squad. I think what they have to have is a starting 15 or 16, and that is more important than having a big squad with players that aren't really going to start. They're just there to come on for the last 15/20 minutes. I do think they've got to be as ruthless as they can be.”