Leeds United face Mateo Joseph exit threat as new La Liga transfer plan revealed | OneFootball

Mateo Joseph is once again of interest to Los Verdiblancos

Real Betis are readying another eight-figure offer for the services of Leeds United's Mateo Joseph.

That is according to Spanish news outlet, El Pelotazo, with the United striker a previous target for Manuel Pellegrini's side, having seen a bid rejected by the title-chasing Championship outfit in the previous transfer window.

Leeds are heading into the final game of the second-tier season this weekend, with Daniel Farke's side knowing they will be crowned champions if they better or match Burnley's result against Millwall at Turf Moor, by virtue of having a far, far superior goal difference which was added to in style against Bristol City.

Despite supporters at Elland Road being treated to an exceptional season, especially in forward areas, as Joel Piroe looks set to win the 'Golden Boot', Joseph hasn't had the desired impact for the side this term after breaking into the first-team last season.

Regardless, the Santander-born youth international has continued to gain admiration from those at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, and he could be returning to his home country this summer, despite the Whites' own return to the Premier League.

This isn't the first time Los Verdiblancos have shown an eagerness to secure the 22-year-old's services, as it was reported in February that Leeds had knocked back a £10m bid from the La Liga outfit during the final days of the winter window.

At the time, Joseph was still deemed to be an important figure in United's promotion bid alongside the Clarets and Sheffield United, although it was also impacted by the club being unsuccessful in their own pursuit of Cameron Archer from Southampton.

Since then, the man who has netted five goals in six games for Spain's Under-21's side, including goals against Denmark and Czechia this term, has made nine substitute appearances, with his last goal coming at the same time as Betis' rejected bid in the 7-0 demolition of Cardiff City in LS11.

However, with Pellegrini's men still in with a shout of making the UEFA Champions League next term, as well as their battle with Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals, El Pelotazo claim that the club are preparing yet another offer between the sums of €13-15m, with talks already had between the parties at the time of the aforementioned transfer talk.

At the end of this season, Joseph will have three years left on his contract in West Yorkshire, having signed a fresh deal until the end of 2027/28 last January after making his breakthrough.

Mateo Joseph may be enticed by potential European football at Real Betis

Regardless of a lack of starting opportunities and only three goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this season, it's clear how highly-rated the Spaniard is, with recent reports claiming the striker is on the radar of West Ham United.

Leeds have also been linked with a plethora of high-profile strikers in recent weeks and months, which could stick Joseph further down the pecking order at Elland Road, whilst only the experienced duo of Isco and Cedric Bakambu have netted above double figures for Betis.

It remains to be seen whether the Spanish side will become successful in their pursuit this time around, and whether the young forward will see his head turned by the prospect of playing in Europe, although the Whites clearly have ambitions of returning to such former glories, with generated images showcasing what Elland Road is set to look like when expanded to approximately 53,000 seats.