Leeds United and Sunderland could face Gonzalo Garcia tussle as Brighton & Hove Albion 'alerted'
Leeds United could reportedly face competition from Brighton & Hove Albion if they revive interest in Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia.
During the summer transfer window, Leeds were credited with interest in the highly-rated Spain Under-21s star.
Sunderland were also said to be keen on the frontman, who had been prolific for Real Madrid’s second-string side Castilla.
He has since stepped up into Xabi Alonso’s senior squad but has managed just one La Liga start this term.
Gonzalo Garcia loan latest
Mail Online have claimed this has alerted Brighton to the possibility of a mid-season loan switch.
The report claims Leeds and Sunderland showed summer interest and that others are also keeping an eye on the 21-year-old.
Real Madrid’s decision on Garcia’s future could reportedly be dependent on the fitness of fellow frontmen Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo.
Leeds United’s attacking woes
Garcia would arguably be an exciting addition for Leeds, who have looked toothless in attack at times.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha were added to Daniel Farke’s forwards department over the summer but have managed just three goals between them.
Joel Piroe, meanwhile, is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League after a goal-laden Championship campaign.
Leeds also have 17-year-old prodigy Harry Gray in their ranks, although he is still waiting for his Premier League debut. There has been talk of loan interest in the teenager, with Hull City among those said to have watched him in action.
A legend’s view
In an interview with The Yorkshire Post earlier this month, Whites icon Gary McAllister addressed Leeds’ attacking struggles.
He said: “[They need] a bit more belief. Obviously, coming up, there is the stigma of the teams coming up and there’s been a tendency to find it very difficult, especially to score goals. Everyone talks about them going straight back down.
“I just think they need to go over that hurdle of believing they belong in the division. Obviously, it would be nice to get to the back end of the season, stay up, and build on that.
“There’s been attempts to try and bring goals into the team. Calvert-Lewin’s been brought in and I just hope he can get a run of games and a run of form and start scoring goals.
“Goal-wise, it’s just getting that balance right - committing people to go attack and getting people ahead of the ball, but not to let yourself open at the other side. I think that’s the big difference in the Premier League.”
Leeds have been linked with a clutch of other forwards in recent weeks, including Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott and Coventry City stars Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante.