The January transfer window is in full flow and while Premier League clubs are yet to get busy in this month’s market when it comes to incomings, we have seen a few let players leave on loan. Whether Victor Orta swings into action in the coming weeks remains to be seen, but certainly, the rumour mill is working at optimum level.
Here are five players that Leeds have already been linked with pursuing this month, since the window began – including a Real Madrid attacker and an England defender desperately in need of some game time.
Fikayo Tomori
Tomori, 23, has been linked with Leeds for quite some time – but a report by BBC Sport this week claims Elland Road is his “likeliest destination” – despite being linked with the likes of Newcastle and Everton. A one-time England international, the Chelsea defender would add some much-needed competition at centre-back. But would he agree to a loan move, given that Diego Llorente and Liam Cooper are weeks away from a return? Time will tell.
Lucas Vazquez
Vazquez, 29, is a huge name and one of Real Madrid’s longer-serving players. The nine-time Spain international has played 225 times in all competitions for Zinedine Zidane’s side – even converting to right-back this season. But he has entered the final six months of his contract and the Daily Mail claim Leeds have discussed a move for the wide man. Whether they make a move this month, or wait until the summer, remains to be seen.
Seny Dieng
The Sunday Mirror (3/1; page 73) say that Arsenal and Leeds are interested in 26-year-old goalkeeper Dieng. The Swiss-born Senegal goalkeeper has broken into the QPR side this season and kept four clean sheets in 20 appearances. Leeds boast Illan Meslier in goal, but with Kiko Casilla’s future in doubt – the Championship stopper could be eyed as Meslier’s back-up.
Kouadio Kone
Toulouse teenager Kone, 19, has emerged as possible target for Leeds but CalcioMercato state the Whites face hefty competition in the form of Serie A leaders AC Milan. It is believed the second-tier French club want at least £9million for Kone, who can play as a box-to-box midfielder or more as a 10. If Milan are keen, then Kone is clearly a proper talent.
Luke Mbete
The Athletic have claimed Leeds want 17-year-old Luke Mbete from Manchester City – but face competition from Juventus. The City youngster has already established himself as a regular in the club’s Under-23 side – and was an unused substitute for City over the weekend as Pep Guardiola’s side beat Chelsea 3-1. A three-time England Under-16 ace, clearly Mbete is a top talent.
