£17m star told to join Leeds United late on deadline day by former Arsenal midfielder

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The final day of the winter transfer window, from a Leeds United perspective, has been one of denials rather than deals.

Leeds look certain to miss out on Cameron Archer while fellow Southampton striker Adam Armstrong seems unlikely to end up at Elland Road either.

Emi Buendia has already swapped Aston Villa for Bayer Leverkusen, Andrew Omobamidele moved to Strasbourg from Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe played down those Matt Targett rumours a few days earlier.

The Eduard Spertsyan reports, meanwhile, appear to be just that at this stage.

Reports. Rumour. Speculation, albeit maybe with a kernel of truth. Sources from Leeds have played down the idea of the Russia-born Armenia international moving to West Yorkshire in the winter, though a summer deal may be on the cards presuming The Whites can call upon the riches of Premier League football by then.

In the meantime, this is becoming a source of much debate in Eastern Europe.

Alexander Hleb talks up Eduard Spertsyan to Leeds United reports

Former Russia ace Dmitri Radchenko thinks Eduard Spertsyan is better off in Spain or Italy. One-time Arsenal playmaker Alexander Hleb is offering a different perspective, however, and an alternative argument.

Leeds might lack the glamour of Juventus or Borussia Dortmund – Premier League promotion is a real possibility but far from guaranteed – but if Daniel Farke is willing to make Spertsyan the cornerstone of his attack, then this is an option worth considering.

Or, at least, it would be if Leeds were willing to put their money where their mouth regarding a supremely gifted attacking midfielder reportedly valued in the region of £17 million.

“I think it’s a good option,” Hleb, a La Liga champion with Barcelona in 2009, tells the Russian press. “Leeds are currently in first place in the Championship, they’re aiming to get into the Premier League and have every opportunity to do so.

“It’s clear that, if you compare them with Borussia or Juventus, then this is a worse option. But if there’s a specific offer, interest, everything suits him financially and in other respects, and the coach wants to see him in the starting line-up, then it’s a good option.”

Daniel Farke wanted Leeds to sign a number ten this window

Interestingly, Daniel Farke did work with Spertsyan briefly during a spell in the Krasnodar dugout in 2022. A spell cut short due to the Russian war with Ukraine, the German departing without ever taking charge of a competitive game.

“Daniel Farke is the former head coach of Krasnodar? Then it’s perfect!,” Hleb adds. “For any footballer, the most important reason for a transfer is the coach’s faith.

“Game practice, trust, self-confidence, this is worth a lot. Of course, if I were Spertsyan, I would consider the option with Leeds. Especially if there are no offers from top clubs.”

Leeds’ reported interest in Spertsyan emerged shortly after Buendia joined the German champions on loan until the end of the season. Farke wants another number ten at Elland Road. One who can offer a different dimension alongside Brenden Aaronson.

Eduard Spertsyan was labelled ‘one of the best midfielders in Europe’ back in 2024, meanwhile, after producing 14 goals and 14 assists on route to winning his second Russian Premier League Midfielder of the Year award.