According to a report from Spanish newspaper AS (via Sport Witness), Leeds United are eyeing up a possible move for Athletic Bilbao’s experienced midfielder Ander Iturraspe.
Midfielder Ander Iturraspe of Spanish La Liga side Athletic Bilbao is reportedly on the radar of Championship title hunters Leeds United.
Iturraspe’s contract with Athletic Bilbao is set to expire at the end of the current La Liga season, and Leeds United could look to pounce to bring him in on a free transfer in the summer transfer window. The 30-year-old is free to negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement before the end of his contract with the Basque Country side if he wants to and he could be on his way to Leeds.
Marcelo Bielsa and Iturraspe are both familiar with each other, as well. The Spaniard was playing for Athletic Bilbao during Bielsa’s two seasons as manager of the club from 2011 to 2013. He was a mainstay in the side under Bielsa, making 99 appearances for the Argentine’s side.
Apart from one season with Basque side Basconia, Iturraspe has spent his entire senior career playing for Athletic Bilbao. He joined the club in 2008, making his La Liga debut for the club at the age of 19. Since then, he has gone on to play a massive 319 games for the club, picking up three goals and seven assists along the way.
Now, however, he could be heading for the exit door. Chances have come few and far between so far this season and he has made just four games in all competitions.
