If Daniel Farke is to try and convince The 49ers to spend some money this month, the chances are it will be on a no.10 having failed to bring one in in the closing days of the summer window.
Brenden Aaronson remains the club’s only option in the no.10 role and while he has starred in the last few games, there are doubts. Jon Newsome does not think Aaronson is living up to his £25m transfer fee.
His nine goals and assists is below his target for this season, too. Aaronson had hoped to score 15 goals and create 15 more, but one game after the halfway mark and he is on less than a third of his target.
Leeds then, could move for a no.10. Graham Smyth expects Leeds to try and sign a no.10, with the likes of Diego Luna and Gustavo Hamer on the radar. Indeed, Leeds still want Hamer after having a bid rejected.
Bayer Leverkusen now eyeing James McAtee after Leeds links
England U21 star McAtee is likely to be one of the biggest stories of the window. Leeds tried to sign him in the summer according to Angus Kinnear, but Pep Guardiola explained why he chose to keep McAtee.
With the January window open, there is a belief that McAtee will be on his way. Leeds’ interest in McAtee remains, but the chances of Leeds managing to lure McAtee down to the Championship is unlikely.
Indeed, The Mail claim four Premier League clubs – West Ham, Brentford, Forest and Palace – along with some big European names want him. The likes of Fiorentina, Bologna and Borussia Dortmund are keen.
Man City have slapped a huge £25m price tag on McAtee’s head, with Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen now entering the fray. Leeds’ chances then of landing McAtee are over, with Europe’s elite emerging.
Which other Premier League no.10’s could Leeds take a look at?
Fabio Carvalho was also eyed by Leeds in the summer, before his £27m move to Brentford. The former Fulham star’s game time has been questionable but the chances are, he stays with Thomas Frank’s side.
Emi Buendia is not interested in joining a Championship side. At Georginio Rutter’s Brighton, Julio Enciso is struggling to play after bursting onto the scene, with Rutter pushing him down the pecking order.
The Paraguay international could be an option, as could Ipswich’s Conor Chaplin after his majestic 23-24 season in the Championship. But, Premier League clubs will only let players go if they can replace them.
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