Helder Costa has become a ‘forgotten man’ at Leeds United after several months of struggles, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 28-year-old is currently on loan at Spanish outfit Valencia and could well depart Elland Road on a permanent basis when the transfer market re-opens in the summer.

What is the latest news involving Costa?

After racking up an impressive 38 goal contributions in 109 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Costa joined Leeds on an initial season-long loan deal back in 2019.

The Angola international had a big impact upon his arrival in west Yorkshire, scoring five goals and laying on a further eight assists in 46 outings as Marcelo Bielsa’s charges claimed the Championship title.

His impressive exploits led to Leeds shelling out £16 million to secure his services on a permanent basis – the seventh most expensive purchase in their history – before handing him a four-year contract.

However, things have not gone to plan for Costa since. He featured from the off on just 13 occasions in the top-flight last term and was left out of the last five matchday squads altogether.

And with the arrival of Dan James from Manchester United pushing him even further down Bielsa’s pecking order, Costa was allowed to exit Leeds on a temporary basis.

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According to a report by EIDesmarque Valencia (as relayed by Sport Witness), the deal included an option to buy for €20 million (£16.7m), a figure which has been described as ‘inaccessible’ for Los Che.

The report states that Leeds will need to re-negotiate the agreed fee and that if they do not do so, then it will be impossible for Costa to remain at Mestalla beyond this season.

What has O’Rourke said about Costa?

O’Rourke believes the skilful winger has been forgotten about by Leeds after failing to live up to expectations in the top-flight.

In an exclusive interview, the transfer insider told GiveMeSport: “Yeah, he's a forgotten man at Leeds United, Helder Costa.

“When he first arrived from Wolves, he had a real big impact at the club, helping them get to the Premier League, but it hasn't worked out for him since then.”

How is Costa fairing at Valencia?

Prior to Sunday's clash with Barcelona, Costa was yet to find the back of the net for Valencia but had registered two assists in 20 appearances for his new side.

WhoScored had the forward ranked as only the La Liga side’s 18^th-best performer this term ahead of the weekend, with a season rating of just 6.47.

Therefore, it’s perhaps inevitable that Leeds will have to lower their asking price for Costa if they want to sanction his sale in the summer window.