Adam Pope shares whether Leeds United will make January move for £40m Premier League playmaker

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The January transfer window opens this week and if Leeds United are to make a move next month, it is likely to be for a new no.10 to provide Brenden Aaronson with some competition.

Daniel Farke boasts a squad that is already capable of achieving promotion to the Premier League, having achieved a whopping 51 points from 24 league games so far. The Whites sit two points clear at the top.

Junior Firpo is due back from is injury towards the end of January, as is Ilia Gruev. The duo will strengthen Farke’s options in defence and midfield, while Leeds maintain four top-class wingers and three strikers.

If Leeds are to sign some players in January, it is likely to come in the form of cover at centre-back and in the 10 role. Graham Smyth expects Leeds will try to sign a new no.10 in January to rival Aaronson.

• READ MORE: What Illan Meslier and Joe Rodon did after Brenden Aaronson’s goal for Leeds

Adam Pope shares chances of Leeds signing Emi Buendia

Back in the summer, Angus Kinnear said Leeds had been turned down by Emi Buendia. The £40m Aston Villa star has fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park, after a long-term knee injury kept him sidelined.

Whether interest remains in Buendia ahead of January is unclear, but the Argentina international has been afforded just 48 minutes of Premier League football this season. Adam Pope has now given an update.

Writing in a column for BBC Sport, Pope declared a move for Buendia as “unlikely”. It seems then that Leeds may have to look elsewhere to bolster their no.10 options other than Farke’s old Norwich player.

“Emi Buendia has been linked before but the one-time Aston Villa record signing’s arrival at Elland Road even after only playing 48 minutes of Premier League football this season seems unlikely,” Pope said.

Which other no.10’s have been linked with a move to Leeds?

Burnley captain Josh Brownhill has been linked with Leeds, with his contract at Turf Moor due to expire in the summer. But the chances of Burnley letting a promotion rival sign him in January seems very unlikely.

James McAtee too but the Man City man seems out of Leeds’ reach, now. Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake has also been touted with a move to Leeds, with the USA star the MLS’ Young Player of the Season.

So, there are options for Leeds going into January. Farke expects a quiet window but Leeds do need to delve into the market to sign a new attacking midfielder, and Buendia could be available for Leeds.