Leeds United eyeing £6m deal for ‘complete midfielder’ that was linked with Man United earlier this season

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Leeds United continue to be linked with a whole host of new signings despite Daniel Farke recently saying he expects a quiet January transfer window, next month.

The squad looks pretty well-balanced at this stage going into the second half of the Championship term, but there are a couple of issues that the club may look to address in the winter window moving forward.

Cover at left-back and competition for Brenden Aaronson have emerged as issues, while a top-quality striker at this level is lacking. Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph have not been convincing.

Leeds of course, could be forced into the market if a player leaves with a number of Elland Road stars generating interest. Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that Tottenham want to sign Pascal Struijk.

• READ MORE: Jon Newsome says Leeds have made a mistake with Junior Firpo

Leeds now eyeing £6m deal for Sporting Lisbon sensation

Leeds have already brought in Josuha Guilavogui as a free transfer after injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, with Ampadu now fit again. They join Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka as options in the middle.

But it seems Leeds want another midfielder and Sporting Lisbon’s 19-year-old talent Dario Essugo is now a target. The Sun’s Alan Nixon reports on his Patreon channel that Leeds are pursuing a loan-to-buy deal.

The issue is, is that Essugo is currently out on loan – his second temporary move away from Sporting, with La Liga side Las Palmas. Leeds would have to convince Sporting to scupper that loan at the halfway stage.

But, Leeds feel they are confident of tempting Ruben Amorim’s old side by offering a loan-to-buy deal worth £6m, that would be active whether the club are promoted or stay in the Championship next term.

Dario Essugo has been linked with Ruben Amorim reunion

Described as the “complete midfielder” by Breaking The Lines, Essugo has played 25 times for Sporting and was given his debut by now-Man United boss Amorim. Man United have since been linked with him.

Indeed, Spanish newspaper Marca said Manchester United and Real Madrid are among the big hitters keeping an eye on Essugo’s progress and his current loan in the top tier of Spanish football right now.

That suggests the chances of Leeds getting a deal done for a measly £6m seem far-fetched, let alone that Leeds are actually going to delve into the January window. But time will tell with Leeds now being linked.