Leeds United face a significant stumbling block in their pursuit of Aston Villa star Emi Buendia, according to reports this week.

The 28-year-old attacking midfielder has represented Villa since the summer of 2021 following a move from Norwich City. Since then, he has featured over 90 times for the Midlands club across all competitions and scored 10 goals in that time.

This season, however, game time has been extremely limited under Unai Emery and Buendia has played a total of 71 minutes in the Premier League across 11 games. Across all competitions, his involvement equates to less than 500 minutes, which has prompted rumours of an exit this month.

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Among those rumoured to be interested in Buendia are Leeds United, but it has been suggested a deal will not be straightforward for Daniel Farke's side. That is according to journalist Alan Nixon who, writing on his Patreon, has confirmed the Whites are hoping to sign the Argentine this month either on loan or permanently.

However, they are facing frustrations due to the player's reluctance to drop down into the Championship. The article states Buendia is eager to wait and see if offers are tabled in a top league.

Unfortunately for Leeds, that could be the case as a report from The Athletic this weekend claims Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing Buendia. Xabi Alonso's side are sourcing a replacement for Martin Terrier who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

It has been emphasised no formal offer has been made at this stage, but Leverkusen would certainly fit Buendia's preference of a top club in a top league. The German outfit are also in contention to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League this season.