Leeds should have been looking at Aston Villa playmaker in January, he’s been brilliant so far

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Leeds United’s need for a no.10 remains after failing to bring an attacking midfielder to the club in the summer, and Aston Villa might have boasted the answer to Daniel Farke’s lack of no.10 options.

Nadiem Amiri, Matt O’Riley, Federico Buonanotte, Kenny McLean and plenty more attacking midfielders were linked with Leeds in the summer. But nothing came to fruition. An issue that still needs addressing.

It means Leeds are left with makeshift options in attacking midfield. Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter are strikers, but used as 10’s. Cree Summerville is best on the left. Joe Gelhardt is not good enough to start.

Leeds need a left-back and a no.10, or an attacking midfielder that can score and create at this level. A player that can do that is Aston Villa gem Finn Aziz, who is currently shining on loan at Plymouth Argyle.

Playing 26 times for Plymouth this season, the Villa man has had a hand in 12 goals in 26 Championship outings. Team Talk said that Middlesbrough and Southampton wanted to sign Azaz, in the next month.

Leeds miss a trick as Middlesbrough close in on Finn Azaz

But a further report emerged from The Athletic on Wednesday afternoon. Indeed, it is claimed that Boro are set to complete the £2.5m signing of Azaz. HITC Sport say a move will only cost Boro a fee of £2m.

Not only would it have seen Leeds solve their attacking midfield issues and the lack of fire power in that area, but it would have also seen gaffer Farke land a bargain. He has huge resale value, £2m or £2.5m.

Instead, Azaz could make his Boro debut in The FA Cup against, ironically, Villa this weekend. Surely, we have missed a trick in not considering a move for Azaz – and if we had, allowing Boro to sign the player.