Leeds United are set to miss out on alleged transfer target Ibai Gomez as he closes in on a deal with former club Athletic Bilbo#a, according to Spanish outlet El Gol Digital.

It is being reported that the 29-year old, who has three goals from 18 La Liga games this season, is close to leaving his current club Alaves in order to once again link up with his hometown club.

He made 101 appearances for them in a six year stay, but has been thriving at Alaves where it was thought he had a €10m release clause. The new report suggests he's leaving for a fraction of that as he's out of contract this summer, with Bilbao poised to pay just €3m for his services.

He had previously played under Bielsa for Bilbao and it was widely believed he would link up once more with the Argentinian to replace the outgoing Samuel Saiz.

It does look as though Leeds will now have to turn their attentions elsewhere, despite the apparent cut-price move that is on the cards for Gomez, who has twice represented the Basque region who are unaffiliated with FIFA or UEFA.

The Verdict

This could be seen as a blow for Leeds, if the reports of their interest were accurate. Given how positive former players of Bielsa's are about him and taking into account the value of the deal, it would surely suggest that their interest was marginal at best.

Leeds will still need a wide player to come in, but it seems they'll be hunting elsewhere as this saga comes to a rather abrupt close.