Former Leeds United sporting director Victor Orta has downplayed an approach for Whites' forward Rodrigo Moreno. The Spanish striker was the standout performer in an otherwise dismal campaign that resulted in relegation to the Championship.
Rodrigo scored 13 times and notched one assist in 31 games in the Premier League last season - his best return since moving to Elland Road. However, the Whites' relegation has reportedly triggered a £3.5million release clause which has caught the eye of a number of top European clubs.
Aston Villa have reportedly made Rodrigo a target this summer, with Unai Emery and new sporting director Monchi looking to take the Villains to another level. Monchi left Sevilla last week in a move that saw Orta return to his former club, where he worked for more than a decade under the world renowned director.
Transfer speculation has already started at the La Liga club, with Tyler Adams and Rodrigo linked with a move to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium. The latter of the duo is fresh from winning the Nations League and Orta admits he has had contact with the Leeds striker, but not about a transfer.
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Orta said: “I am not going to talk about individual names. I sent Rodrigo Moreno a message yesterday to congratulate him for the trophy (the Nations League won with Spain).
"With this rumour, maybe from there, things have got a bit exaggerated.”
Rodrigo is widely expected to leave Elland Road this summer with a major rebuild needed to bounce back up to the Premier League. The 49ers Enterprises are set to complete their takeover at the club in the coming weeks.
