Leeds United are now in the mix to secure a loan deal for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo García this summer, as per a report from TBR Football. However, negotiations could prove challenging as Real Madrid are currently hesitant about approving any potential move.
The 21-year-old forward has attracted interest from several clubs due to his impressive progression over the past year, prompting Leeds to consider a loan deal in a bid to bolster their attacking options for an upcoming Championship promotion push.
Despite Leeds’ interest, the chances of securing García appear slim as recent reports from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano suggest that Real Madrid are not willing to let go of the striker, whether on a temporary or permanent basis. Romano tweeted, “Real Madrid won’t entertain any loan or permanent deal offers for Gonzalo García. He is expected to remain with the club, with Xabi Alonso expressing satisfaction.”
This news will be disheartening for Sunderland as well, who were previously linked with García and had reportedly made a substantial offer earlier in the summer. However, Real Madrid’s firm stance means that García is not for sale and a loan move is off the table.
García made an impression during the FIFA Club World Cup, emerging as a top scorer in the tournament, and has continued to impress under new Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso during pre-season. With García in Madrid’s immediate plans for the upcoming season, Leeds’ pursuit of a loan deal might hit a roadblock. Meanwhile, Sunderland may explore other striker options following the rejection of their significant bid for García.
In other transfer news, Sunderland’s pursuit of Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss faces competition from Nottingham Forest, according to reports by former Sky Sports journalist Pete O’Rourke. Forest are eyeing El Khannouss as a potential replacement for Morgan Gibbs-White, who is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Sunderland have been monitoring El Khannouss since his time at Genk, before he moved to Leicester City last year. While no formal offer has been made, Sunderland are keeping tabs on the attacking midfielder for the future.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie also highlighted Sunderland’s interest in El Khannouss, stating, “Sunderland also have a long-standing interest in Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester. Sunderland are keen on the attacking midfielder but aren’t actively in talks at this moment. One to watch…”.
