Links between Leeds United and New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos have been relentless after a picture emerged of Victor Orta and Angus Kinnear in the USA. The Whites representatives were snapped at a restaurant near the Yankee Stadium, with reports putting two and two together as the Argentinian forward looks for a move away.
But one key aspect of those links has seemingly been ignored. 90min’s report of the Whites’ interest that Orta and Kinnear were in America not just to discuss a deal for Castellanos, but that they ‘are understood to be looking at another American-based player.’
Jesse Marsch has a strong understanding of the MLS, having spent three years managing at New York Red Bulls, and he was spotted in the USA earlier this week at a San Francisco 49ers minicamp. Both Marsch and the 49ers will see the league as an under-appreciated one that is full of high-potential, low-cost talent.
READ MORE: Insider gives latest on Leeds United's pursuit of Valentin Castellanos from New York City FC
Despite the report, there hasn’t been any concrete links to this so-called mystery man - so LeedsLive have had a look at three potential MLS options.
Kai Wagner
Left-back Kai Wagner has been linked with a move to Elland Road in the past and would provide good competition for Junior Firpo.
The 25-year-old has played all 14 of Philadelphia Union’s games so far this season, as a part of the joint-best defence in the division - his two assists also hint at strong attacking intent.
The German has played over 100 times for Union, racking up 14 assists in total and rising to prominence as one of the best full-backs in the league - he is valued at around £3 million and could be a solid back-up.
Djordje Mihailovic
The attacking midfielder was reportedly in Leeds’ sights around the time that the name Brenden Aaronson first popped up, but he has since faded in the minds of Whites fans.
His Montreal side sit third in the division and it is thanks mainly down to the 23-year-old’s contributions, with an impressive seven goals and three assists in 14 matches.
Those numbers take the USA international to 12 goals and 18 assists in 53 games for his club - numbers which have attracted attention from many clubs with a move away from the MLS inevitable.
Cade Cowell
San Jose Earthquakes striker Cade Cowell is a bit of a wildcard on this list, but at 18-year-old he could be a long-term project and a promising addition to the under-23s.
He has a goal and three assists for the Earthquakes in 14 games so far, picking up valuable minutes in senior football at such a young age.
The striker’s market value has almost doubled in less than a year from £2.25 million in July 2021 to £4.5 million currently - if Leeds can pick him up early then that will only rise further.
