Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso blocks Leeds United's January transfer approach
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Mirror or go back to LFC Live.
Daily Mirror IconSportFootballPremier LeagueLeeds United boss Daniel Farke is keen to strengthen his squad as it continues its fight against relegation and has been hoping to land one of Spain's brightest young stars in JanuaryLeeds United have seen a move to sign Real Madrid starlet Gonzalo Garcia blocked by Xabi Alonso. Leeds boss Daniel Farke has been keen to bring the Spain Under-21 striker to Elland Road in January.Farke wants to freshen up his attack in his quest to keep Leeds in the Premier League.
The Leeds board are ready to back him and Leeds were willing to sign Garcia on a six-month deal, with a view to making the move permanent in the summer for £20million.It's understood that Garcia was keen on a switch to the Premier League, where other clubs had also been circling a player who starred for Real at the summer's FIFA Club World Cup - scoring four goals in six appearances in the United States.READ MORE: Marcus Rashford misses another Barcelona training session as dream put on holdREAD MORE: Ruben Amorim issues triple Man Utd injury update as two stars ruled out vs EvertonThat earned him a new contract at the Bernabeu, but Garcia has been struggling for starts this season, and knows his first team chances are limited with Kylian Mbappe in the red hot form he's been showing this term so far. That's meant Garcia has played only 96 minutes in La Liga.However, Garcia has been told he CANNOT leave Madrid by former Liverpool star Alonso.
Alonso has held talks with Garcia and told him he is still very much in his plans - both short term and long term.He doesn't want him to leave the club and while he is aware of Mbappe's importance - the French superstar having been hugely influential so far in Alonso's debut season at the helm - he knows it's a long season where he'll need to utilise his full squad.That is almost certain to mean far more minutes in the second half of the season for Garcia as Madrid battle for domestic and European honours.It is a blow for Leeds, who were confident of luring Garcia to Elland Road, particularly amid suggestions Madrid would be ready to help him in his quest for more first team action.Now Farke and the club's hierarchy will continue looking elsewhere to strengthen their attack and a side who have won just one of its last six league outings heading into Sunday's visit of Aston Villa.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.