Pity Nunez didn’t cost us £10m, gloats Leeds United chairman Bates

The Honduran international netted twice in Tuesday’s Carling Cup victory at Doncaster Rovers.

It took Nunez’s goal tally to five from just 255 minutes on the field this season, a phenomenal record and one that has made the 25-year-old United’s top scorer.

Leeds chairman Bates is understandably delighted with the impact made by a player who joined on a free transfer from Honduran club Olimpia last year.

And he has revealed that more talented players of Nunez’s ilk could be heading to Yorkshire in the future.

Explaining how the midfielder came to Leeds, Bates said: “Ramon Nunez came in on a free transfer. I have a very good relationship with an Italian agent who lives in Monaco. We are great friends.

“He is very strong in South America for some reason and he produced Nunez for us. I think there are one or two more waiting there, too.”

For Nunez, such a storming start represents a welcome change of fortune after making just two substitute appearances last season after joining in August last year.

So restricted were his chances at Leeds that he went out on loan to Scunthorpe United in late March, where he netted three times in eight appearances as the Iron were relegated to League One.

Bates added: “He came in on trial, we gave him his chance and he wants to repay that by consolidating his position and prove what a good player he is.

“We already know he is but he wants to do it on a regular basis. The fans love him, too – what a pity he was a free transfer and not a £10m signing.”

With the transfer window due to shut next week, Max Gradel continues to be linked with a possible move from Leeds.

West Ham United, who had a £2.5m bid turned down by United earlier in the summer, and Fulham are believed to still be interested in the Ivory Coast international but Bates said: “Max isn’t going anywhere and that is the end of the matter.

“We have only had one bid from West Ham and I think Max will have finished his career before he goes there because they haven’t got any money. Max is a valuable part of our squad and will continue to be so.”

On possible incoming transfers, Bates, who has revealed Luciano Becchio could be fit in time to face Crystal Palace on September 10, added: “I have been saying for some time that during the last few days of the window I do anticipate some activity.”