Leeds United are in the market for a central midfielder this summer, to bolster their ranks in the middle of the park.
Based on a recent interview with Spanish radio station Ao Contraataque, it appears Director of Football Victor Orta is a fan of ex-West Bromwich Albion loanee Okay Yokuslu.
The Turkish midfielder spent six months on loan at The Hawthorns but could not prevent the Baggies' immediate return to the Championship at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
27-year-old Yokuslu is contracted to Spanish side Celta Vigo, where he has a deal which runs until June 2023.
Speaking on the Spanish station, Orta said: “It is politically difficult for Leeds to sign Okay [Yokuslu]. For me he had about six very good months, in a very difficult place. I personally liked it.”
"Celta has a general manager who is the best in Spain. If not the best, he is among the three best in Spain and even in Europe," he added.
Whether Orta's comments are something of a charm offensive in an attempt to woo Celta's Sporting Director Felipe Miñambres, remains to be seen - but his admiration for Yokuslu was clear.
Orta discussed England's European Championships exit with the show's hosts, as well as greats of the English national team, name-checking David Beckham and Wayne Rooney.
The Leeds director also commented on the state of the transfer market at present, stating there were 'cash flow' problems across all major leagues.
He also called for a revision to the salary cap imposed in LaLiga at present, which has seen clubs such as Barcelona told to slash their wage bills by tens of millions.
