Leeds United football chief Victor Orta has explained their swoop for Valencia captain Rodrigo Moreno.

Orta believed that landing a player of Rodrigo's calibre, who has won 25 caps for Spain and played for Benfica and Real Madrid as well as Valencia, would show Leeds mean business on their return to the top flight after a 16-year absence.

“It was a strategic signing to show ambition," he told Record.

“Rodrigo had other options, but he was always interested in our project. I've followed him since the academy of Real Madrid, even before Benfica."

The 29-year-old has settled in well under manager Marcelo Bielsa, scoring one goal in his first seven appearances across all competitions.