Leeds United in danger of signing their own version of Clint Dempsey in the winter transfer window

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Leeds could end up desperately needing reinforcements in January depending on how the next few weeks pan out.

Daniel Farke must contend with clashes against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in the coming weeks, with Leeds already sitting 18th before this daunting run begins.

The 49ers have allegedly made contact with Kalvin Phillips – according to the Mirror – as one transfer target becomes clear ahead of the winter transfer window, but Fulham have already shown Leeds why it might be a bad idea to bring the Elland Road favourite back.

Clint Dempsey return to Fulham in 2013 shows Leeds United why Kalvin Phillips deal would be a bad idea

Fulham succumbed to the temptation to re-sign a club legend in Clint Dempsey back in the 2013/14 campaign.

The Cottagers had only recently lost the American to a bigger side in Tottenham, doing business with Spurs in August 2012. However – like Phillips has experienced at Manchester City – it was a largely unsuccessful move for Dempsey, scoring 12 goals in 43 appearances but never truly being able to assert himself in the starting XI.

Once the Texas-born striker eventually returned to Fulham, he was a shadow of the player who netted 60 goals in his first stint at Craven Cottage, and ultimately failed to score in that 2013/14 season as the west Londoners were eventually relegated.

The same could well happen to Leeds if Phillips is brought back, given the fact Farke has little need for another central midfielder, and also due to the fact the England international has only played seven minutes of football this season.

The ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ may well end up needing weeks to regain full match fitness, time Leeds cannot afford to give any January signing due to their desperate situation.

Phillips also earns £250,000-a-week at Manchester City, the Mirror claim, so Leeds would be wise to avoid this deal for financial and sporting reasons.

Leeds United need a match-winner

Leeds are a solid side overall, but Farke is lacking mercurial talents who can pop up with a moment of quality to snatch points.

One player Leeds can sign to solve this is Harry Wilson, who the 49ers tried to buy on transfer deadline day in September.

The Wales international often pops up with moments of magic, for both club and country.

Leeds remain keen on Wilson and he only has seven months remaining on his contract at Fulham, so a move to Yorkshire cannot be ruled out at this stage.