Leeds United make move ahead of possible January transfer for ‘Moon Boy’, The 49ers may have to pay £8.3m

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Daniel Farke has already made it clear that he expects the January transfer window to look somewhat quiet despite The Whites remaining embroiled in a push for automatic promotion.

Leeds look well-balanced with Ethan Ampadu back in the squad on Saturday after a long-term injury. The Whites have Sam Byram, Junior Firpo and Ilia Gruev out injured, but even then there is plenty of depth.

At the moment, the front seven pick themselves with Brenden Aaronson and Joel Piroe still first choice for Farke at no.9 and no.10. Out wide, Leeds have four brilliant options for just two positions this season.

But, despite Farke saying January will be quiet, there has been no shortage of players being linked with Leeds. Earlier this week, Israel striker Dor Turgeman was linked with Leeds, as was Mahmoud Jaber.

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Leeds now being linked with MLS’ Young Player of the Season

Another new name on the Leeds radar ahead of January is Real Salt Lake’s attacking star Diego Luna. The 21-year-old won the MLS’ Young Player of the Season accolade after having a hand in 17 goals last term.

The Mirror report that Leeds have ‘explored’ a possible deal for one-time USA star Luna, who has a deal at Real Salt Lake until the summer of 2028. In the summer, RSL sold Carlos Andrez Gomez to Rennes.

Glen Kamara’s teammate cost the French side a fee of £8.3m and that is set to be used by the MLS side as a ‘yardstick’ to determine their value of Luna. If Leeds are keen for a deal in January remains to be seen.

Could Diego Luna be the competition Brenden Aaronson needs?

Luna remains very young and while he has clocked up 127 professional games already, none have come at the standard of the Championship and possibly the Premier League. Though, he remains a real talent.

Plenty of promising MLS stars have come to the Premier League and starred. Newcastle have Paraguayan star Miguel Almiron and Jhon Duran is shining at Villa, so there is every chance an MLS star can shine.

But Luna played the majority of his 2024 appearances in the MLS from the left and that is a position that Leeds find themselves well-stocked, with Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani impressing this season.

Perhaps, this is one more for the future given Luna’s age and his inexperience at the top level. But, with Solomon only on loan and always unlikely to sign permanently, it could be a target for next summer.