Leeds United look set to miss out on another promising signing to Premier League opposition. The Whites were linked with a move for Sporting wonderkid Dario Essugo in the recent January transfer window, but Chelsea are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for the midfielder.

The 19-year-old has been a standout performer for La Liga side Las Palmas, attracting the attention of a number of top European clubs. Essugo came through the ranks at Portuguese club Sporting and broke a number of records at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

He became the club's youngest-ever player when he was introduced as a second-half substitute against Vitoria de Guimaraes back in March 2021, aged 16 years and 16 days. Essugo then became Portugal's youngest player to debut in the Champions League against Ajax in December 2021, before breaking yet another club record later that season, surpassing Luis Figo as Sporting's youngest starter against Arouca at 16 years, 11 months and 17 days.

READ MORE: Leeds United predicted XI vs Watford as Ethan Ampadu moved amid nine changes

READ MORE: Leeds United £144m Championship reality after January transfer decision

However, since then, Essugo has struggled to cement a regular place in the Sporting starting XI, and spent the second half of last season at Chaves, before he moved to Las Palmas on loan in August. Having started out in the reserves, Essugo has since broken into the first-team and started 14 La Liga fixtures this campaign.

His reputation has increased after impressing with Las Palmas, which saw Leeds United linked with a move in the recent January transfer window, though a move would not come to fruition. According to The Sun, Chelsea are on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign the midfielder from Sporting.

However, Essugo is said to only be willing to accept the move, if he's guaranteed minutes as part of Chelsea's first-team set-up. Promotion to the Premier League would almost certainly boost Leeds' chances of signing the midfielder in the summer transfer window, with Daniel Farke's side short of options in defensive midfield.

Essugo was reportedly set for a £17million move to Stamford Bridge in January, an indication of the fee Leeds would likely have to part with if they were to make an approach to sign the midfielder. Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Chelsea are still monitoring the youngster who is an "interesting talent".