Leeds United have been handed an early boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Sheffield United with the news that Rodrigo is in line to feature.

Ahead of the match against the Blades, The Athletic's Phil Hay revealed via his official Twitter account that the Spaniard is "available" to play for Marcelo Bielsa's side.

The former Valencia man has been a real hot topic around Yorkshire during the international break, with reports suggesting that he was unhappy at Elland Road and wanted to leave in the upcoming summer transfer window.

However, he moved to downplay those claims by making a statement on his situation, confirming his happiness at Leeds and that his relationship with Bielsa was all good.

That news should come as a major relief for Leeds fans who have yet to see the best out of the Spain international in his debut campaign in English football - he has managed just three goals in 20 Premier League games.

He has, however, shown flashes of the quality to convince the Whites to part with a club record £27m to bring him in from Valencia in the summer.

In fact, after an impressive display against Arsenal earlier in the season, former Leeds ace Noel Whelan explained just how important Rodrigo is to the side, telling Football Insider: "He’s always looking for it, he’s never ever standing still, he’s always on the move and that’s what I like about him. He can’t be marked, he’s always looking for a space – very much the next Hernandez.

"He is a player that looks like he can make things happen. He’s very intelligent, he brings other people into play and makes space for them."

Whelan also delivered his verdict on why the Spaniard should always be starting ahead of Tyler Roberts, saying: "If you ask 100 Leeds fans who they would prefer in that position, Rodrigo or Tyler Roberts, they would all say Rodrigo all day long.

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"He’s your star signing, your record signing. He’s the one player that if he is fit then you’ve got to have him in your side to give you that extra opportunity. Roberts didn’t do anything wrong but I just think it brings a different dimension to the game when Rodrigo’s out there."

It's exactly why Hay's reveal that Rodrigo is ready to take on Sheffield United today will surely have Bielsa buzzing.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing a move for this Premier League starlet...