Leeds United have agreed to sign Spain forward Rodrigo Moreno from Valencia ahead of their return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, the Spanish side said Tuesday.
The club's statement did not mention a transfer fee or how long the contract at Leeds would be, although reports in the Spanish media said the English club would pay Valencia around 30m euros plus 10m in variables.
Known by his first name Rodrigo, he scored 59 goals in 220 games for Valencia.
He is the latest high-profile player to leave after captain Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin left for rival Villarreal this month, sparking fresh protests against owner Peter Lim.
Rodrigo, 29, who spent time in the youth academies of Flamengo and Real Madrid before becoming a star at Benfica and then Valencia, is already well versed in English football, having appeared 17 times in the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers while on loan from Benfica in the 2010/11 season.
A wide player who attacks down the right wing, Rodrigo can link the forward line and is particularly effective on the counterattack.
His qualities have made him the favored forward of Spain coach Luis Enrique and predecessor Robert Moreno.
He has repaid their faith by scoring six goals in his last nine starts for his country.
He scored only seven goals in all competition last season amid injuries and turmoil at Valencia, who sacked popular manager Marcelino in September and eventually finished ninth.
The 2017/18 season was his best in front of goal, scoring 16 in La Liga.
He also hit decisive goals against Ajax Amsterdam and Chelsea last year as Valencia reached the knockout stages of the Champions League and netted in the 2-1 win over Barcelona in the 2019 Copa del Rey final.
