Leeds step up pursuit of Valencia forward Rodrigo as Marcelo Bielsa targets attackers ahead of Premier League return

Leeds are considering a bid for Valencia striker Rodrigo as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of the Premier League season.

The Whites are gearing up for their first top-flight campaign in 16 years after they secured promotion last season by winning the Championship.

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Rodrigo netted seven goals in 34 LaLiga matches for Valencia this season

The new top-flight campaign kicks off on September 12 and will see newly-promoted side travel to reigning champions Liverpool for a stunning first day clash.

According to journalist Gianluca di Marzio, Elland Road chief Andrea Radrizzani has identified Rodrigo as a prime transfer target and wants to get the deal done before the start of the new season.

It is understood Valencia value the striker at £30million, but the LaLiga side are strapped for cash and may be willing to lower their asking fee.

The 29-year-old, who has spent six years at the Mestalla Stadium, netted seven goals in 34 appearances last season.

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Rodrigo previously enjoyed a brief stint at Bolton, racking up 21 appearances under Owen Coyle in the 2010/11 campaign.

Meanwhile, Leeds have also had a £10m bid rejected from Rangers for Ryan Kent, with Steven Gerrard adamant the former Liverpool forward isn’t for sale.

“The message for sure is ‘hands off,” Gerrard told the media ahead of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership fixture against Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Saturday.

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Leeds United target Ryan Kent is staying at Rangers this summer, insists Steven Gerrard

“Ryan is a player we admire very much here. He’s a player we’ve seen develop at Liverpool for a long time then brought him here and he did ever so well on loan.

“We went and bought Ryan and showed a lot of faith in him and he’s progressing very, very quickly here.

“He’s in a good place and a player we want to keep hold of.

“But yes we have had contact from Leeds and an opening bid has been really strongly rejected.”

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