Leeds United are set to make an official bid for long-term transfer target, Ibai Gomez, according to Spanish media outlet, Mundo Deportivo. 

The Spanish publication claim that Marcelo Bielsa's side are planning on making an offer to Alaves in the coming weeks, but they face stiff competition to land his signature.

They also claim that Bielsa's former club, Athletic Bilbao are also interested in securing a deal to land the 29-year-old who has been a long-target of the Leeds boss.

Gomez has been ever-present for Alaves this season and has started all 15 league games for the Spanish side as they have emerged as surprise European contenders in the early stages of this years campaign.

The winger is yet to acknowledge Leeds' interest, and it's likely that the Whites will have to activate his release clause which stands at £8.9m according to Mundo Deportivo.

Leeds' apparent rush to secure Gomez's signature will come as no surprise to many supporters, with Samuel Saiz's imminent departure from the promotion chasing side, looking like it will be announced in the near future according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. 

It remains to be seen as to when the bid will be submitted by Bielsa's side, but they are certainly going to need to act quickly ahead of the January transfer window to replace Saiz with Gomez, who could prove to be the missing piece in the jigsaw for Leeds in their promotion bid.

The Verdict: 

It's no surprise to see Leeds acting swiftly to secure Gomez's signature in January.

The rapid departure of Samuel Saiz from Elland Road, means that Marcelo Bielsa has a real lack of depth in his Leeds side as they challenge for promotion this season.

The reported fee would be a gamble, but it's a gamble that the Leeds boss will have to take, as Gomez could certainly fill the void left by Saiz who's exit looks imminent.