Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Jesus Vazquez to Elland Road in the January transfer window.

What's the talk?

Transfer Focus

That's according to Spanish publication Plaza Deportiva (via Sport Witness), who claim that, after both the Whites and Inter Milan were linked with a move for the Valencia CF left-back, the Serie A side have now 'been in contact with the player's entourage' ahead of launching a move for the 19-year-old this winter.

The report then goes on to state that the Spain U19 international is 'waiting for Valencia to tell him what they plan to do with him to make a decision' about his future, with it appearing as if the Italian club are currently leading the race for the defender.

Orta must act

Considering just how exciting a prospect Vazquez appears to be, should Victor Orta wish to give the Whites the best possible chance of landing the teenager in January, the Leeds director of football simply must launch a move for the Spaniard at the earliest opportunity.

Indeed, it is not difficult to see why Orta would be keen on a move for the left-back, as the £8.7m-rated talent highly impressed over his 15 LaLiga fixtures last term, helping his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 clearances and winning 4.6 duels - at a success rate of 52% - per game.

The teenager also impressed in an attacking capacity, taking an average of 0.3 shots, making 0.4 key passes and completing a simply sensational 1.7 dribbles per game - with the youngster ranking in the top 1% of full-backs in Europe's big five leagues for dribbles completed over the last 12 months.

As such, with the Spaniard having already added the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Darko Gyabi, Mateo Joseph, Illan Meslier, Crysencio Summerville and Cody Drameh to the Whites' youth ranks in recent seasons, it is clear to see that Vazquez could well be the 43-year-old's next "exciting prospect" - in the words of Jacek Kulig - at Elland Road.

However, with Inter now appearing to be closing in on the 19-year-old ahead of the opening of the January transfer window, it would appear highly advisable for Orta to follow the Italians in regarding their contact for the left-back, or else the Spaniard could easily end up rueing his hesitation over the defender.