The January transfer window is upon us and Leeds United are expected to be active over the next few weeks with a centre-back, an attacking midfielder, and a striker; all areas that require more depth.
Leeds have lacked an attacking midfielder of quality for years and having tried to sign both Harry Wilson and Facundo Buonanotte in the final days of the summer window, it is easy to imagine the need remains.
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The switch to 3-5-2 means an extra centre-back and an extra striker are starting games. It means there is a lack of depth on the bench, highlighted further by injuries sustained by Joe Rodon and Lukas Nmecha.
There are a few areas of the squad, then, that Leeds could look to strengthen in the next few weeks. Below, LeedsUnited.News takes a look through the rumours and picks the five most likely January deals.
The five most-likely signings Leeds can make in January
James McAtee (Nottingham Forest)
Leeds have been interested in McAtee for years, ever since Daniel Farke set foot in the door at Elland Road. Reports say Leeds are currently one of five Premier League clubs eyeing the £30m Forest genius.
Things haven’t gone to plan for McAtee at the City Ground since his move from City and clubs are lining up to take him. Chelsea, Fulham, Sunderland and Bournemouth are also keen, alongside Farke’s Leeds.
Ruben Vargas (Sevilla)
What makes this a likely one, is that Vargas is keen on a move to the Premier League. Arguably Sevilla’s best player, the La Liga club have to sell and are willing to cash in on Vargas for a bargain fee of £9m.
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£9m is such a bargain
Again, Leeds are not alone in pursuit of the Switzerland star with Sunderland and Bournemouth keen. But the presence of Noah Okafor helps, with Vargas once saying he would love to play alongside Okafor.
Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
While the thought of Sterling at Leeds feels unlikely, what makes this a possibility is that Sterling is available and ready to go. Enzo Maresca has basically confirmed he can leave if an approach arrives.
Sterling can play on either side, and up front in a 3-5-2 off of a target man in Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He’s only just turned 31 and his experience in the Premier League might be useful with Leeds loosely linked.
Harry Wilson (Fulham)
The obvious one. The one that got away, though Harry Wilson does remain a possibility due to his contract. Fulham have to sell if they are to avoid losing Wilson on a free, but to a rival in Leeds?
It feels enormously unlikely. But, Leeds do have Wilson’s Wales pals on board, and an offer that Fulham cannot ignore might tempt the Cottagers into reluctantly selling. Wilson has hinted at a January exit.
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Taty Castellanos (Lazio)
The latest player to be linked with Leeds, Argentina international Castellanos has fallen out of favour somewhat at Lazio under Maurizio Sarri despite having a hand in 22 goals for Lazio last season.
Reports in Italy claim that Leeds are keen on Castellanos, but Lazio would only sell the former New York City striker if bids of £22m were made. It seems steep for Leeds at this stage when a loan is more likely.
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