By Vitus Michael

Kelechi Nwakali’s reported return to the English Premiership suffered a set back as his Spanish club, SD Huesca have very serious plans to keep hold on to him and as a result have turned down a summer transfer bid from Leeds United for the Nigerian midfielder.

A report from The Athletic had revealed that Leeds are keen on signing the Huesca midfielder before this summer’s transfer comes to it’s conclusion.

Watford are also monitoring the Nigerian international who started his career at Arsenal and he is keen on returning to England for another chance to impress after failing to break into the Gunners first-team.

Nwakali has just one year left on his contract at the Spanish second division side and could be on the move in the coming weeks, the monitored report had suggested.

Leeds need another central midfielder badly this summer and they feel that while he is not a popular name, Nwakali could prove to be a quality addition to their squad.

A new twist has emerged in the past 24 hours which is that Huesca are set to snub all interest in Nwakali who is now expected to remain in Spain for at least one more season.

Described as a “rough diamond”, the 23-year-old is expected to have been told to hold off on his dream of playing Premier League football at least for now.

Given that Nwakali wants a return to England, he could look to force the move but it is difficult to see anyone paying Huesca the £15million they are demanding.

Nwakali previously signed for Arsenal but work permit issues made his debut for the 2021 Europa League Semi-finalists an unrealised dream