Wayne Veysey

Tue 20 March 2018 13:34, UK

By Richard Parks

Leeds United have not made any progress in tying Pablo Hernandez to a new contract, according to a reliable journalist.

Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Phil Hay claimed on his personal Twitter account on Tuesday that there has been no breakthrough in talks to extend his deal.

The attacking midfielder, 32, is out of contract in the summer and can leave Elland Road on a free contract.

But the Spaniard has spoken publicly of his desire to extend his stay at Leeds into a third season and director of football Victor Orta revealed at the end of last month that talks would take place with his agent about an extension.

Reports in recent days have suggested that former United manager Garry Monk is keen to sign Hernandez after taking charge of Championship rivals Birmingham City.

In a Twitter exchange with a Leeds fan, Hay reported that Birmingham are “waiting to see which division they’re in” before lining up transfer targets but added that “it’s still not clear if Leeds will get a deal done with him”.

Football Insider verdict:

With Leeds’ play-off hopes lying in tatters, thoughts have already turned to strengthening the squad ahead of next season. Supporters are almost unanimous in their desire for Hernandez to be handed a new deal following two impressive campaigns from the one-time Spain international. He has his off days, but when he is good, he is very good and only Samuel Saiz of the other Leeds players is on the same creative wavelength. With seven goals and nine assists from 36 matches this season, Hernandez is a player that United desperately need if they are to mount a convincing promotion bid in 2018-19. Sign him up, or they will regret it.

In other Leeds United news, it can be revealed that NINE senior players at the club are in Radrizzani’s firing line and fighting for their jobs.

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