Alongside Kalimuendo: Orta now close to 'intelligent' player who has 100% win record vs Leeds

Leeds United and Victor Orta look set to win the race for free agent Juan Mata.

The Whites have been linked with a move for the Spaniard, who Gary Lineker called an ‘intelligent’ player, in recent days, with Orta thought to be in conversation with the player’s father.

Reports have even suggested that the 34-year-old is willing to lower his previous Manchester United salary in order to move to Yorkshire.

A new forward is also on the agenda at Elland Road, with a deal for Arnaud Kalimuendo seemingly getting closer, and it looks as if Mata will also be heading to work under Jesse Marsch.

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from Friday’s edition of Spanish newspaper La Nueva Espana regarding Leeds and Mata.

They claim that the Whites are set to pip Real Betis and Real Oviedo to Mata’s services, saying he “would arrive for free and with a significant salary reduction”.

Mata, who has a 100% win record against Leeds with a goal and assist against the Whites, will provide plenty of experience to what is a fairly young first-team squad at Thorp Arch, with just one attacking midfielder or forward over the age of 30.

It looks as if a move to Yorkshire is well and truly on the cards, where Mata will be able to provide Marsch with an option in attacking midfield or out wide.

Marsch may decide to use Mata from the bench in a similar way to how Marcelo Bielsa used Pablo Hernandez in the Championship title-winning run-in, and with sides able to use five substitutions next season, it could prove to be a wise move if he can stay fit.

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