By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

27th Mar, 2023 | 5:00pm

Sources: Leeds United star Rodrigo will have to take pay cut

Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno will likely have to take a pay cut in order to renew his contract with the club, sources have told Football Insider.

The 2022-23 campaign has been the 32-year-old’s most fruitful season in English football since he joined the Whites back in 2020.

Rodrigo is out of contract in around 15 months’ time and renewal talks have been placed on hold until Leeds’ Premier League survival is confirmed.

Javi Gracia’s side are up to 14th in the table after victory last time out – but sit just two points clear of the drop zone with 11 games remaining.

Rodrigo has been Leeds’ most prolific forward despite his limited involvement this term.

The Spain international has hit 13 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions so far this season – already his best per-season return in English football.

He has recently returned to action with two substitute appearances after missing six games with an ankle injury.

Rodrigo is yet to extend his contract since arriving at Elland Road on a four-year deal for a reported £27million in 2020.

According to FBRef, the ex-Valencia star earns a wage of £100,000-a-week with the Yorkshire giants.

It is believed that he will have to curb that salary if his Whites career is to continue past 2024.

Leeds moved to add a new forward in Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim in January – but the France Under-21 international is yet to score in five appearances across all competitions.

Patrick Bamford continues to struggle for fitness, while Italian sensation Wilfried Gnonto has made a huge impression since joining the club late last summer (2022).

Gracia’s side return to action post-international break with an away clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

In other news, Football Insider updates on Raphinha re-signing for Leeds United this summer.