Door Opens For Cuellar

Last updated : 21 August 2003 By Kevin Markey
The defender arrived in Leeds at the start of the week and is convinced he has made a good impression on manager Peter Reid and his coaching staff.

"They have said that I did very well and that they were happy with my work," he said in Spanish sports daily Marca.

The youngster, who joined Spanish Second Division side Numancia as a 17-year-old, believes that if Leeds do sign him, it will be due more to his performances last season than his displays on the training pitch in England.

"More than anything the trial was for them to see me in person and to see how I adapted," he added.

"They had watched me last season, but the change of coach (Peter Reid replacing Terry Venables) meant they wanted me to go there to corroborate what they had already seen on video.

"When they told me to go I was a little bit surprised, but I am very excited to have the chance and it is a real challenge for me."

Numancia's Sporting director Maximo Hernandez said he expected the deal to be completed.

He said: "There is an initial agreement that has to be made concrete, but thinking in the good of the club and of the player, I don't think there should be any problems."