Midfielder likened to Jude Bellingham is now keen on move to Elland Road with Leeds in talks

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Leeds United are desperate to add a new midfielder and one player the club are in talks to sign is now said to be “keen” on a move to Elland Road before Friday’s deadline.

Glen Kamara and Archie Gray have both been sold by The 49ers this summer, and only Joe Rothwell has come in on loan. Leeds need another in the middle of the park and plenty of options have been linked.

Daniel Farke wants a midfielder that can score goals. It comes after Ilia Gruev and Gray only managed one goal last season, while Kamara failed to actually find the back of the net once in his 42 Leeds matches.

Leeds have made a £13m bid for Gustavo Hamer but Sheffield United want a fee of £18m for Hamer. Any chance of signing Philip Billing from Bournemouth is over, with the player unwilling to drop a division.

• READ MORE: Why Leeds should avoid a deal for left-back Owen Wijndal

Leeds in talks for Japan star Ao Tanaka, he’s keen on a move

Tanaka, 25, has been linked with Leeds for some time. Leeds made a £3.2m bid last summer for Tanaka and now, The Whites are ready to activate his release clause in the final days of the transfer window.

Graeme Bailey told Leeds United News there is a confidence at Leeds that a deal for Tanaka gets done. Now, reporter Sacha Tavolieri has an update and it is that Tanaka is keen on a move with talks ongoing.

He said: “Fortuna Düsseldorf & Leeds United are currently in negotiations to make Ao Tanaka’s deal to happen. Talks ongoing. Japanese central midfielder’s keen on the move. Wait and see,” Tavolieri said.

If Leeds can’t get Hamer, Tanaka is an excellent cheap alternative

There has been some criticism on social media that Leeds are taking the cheap option in Tanaka and they are, given Tanaka’s release clause is worth £2.65m. But, Tanaka is a bargain at that figure, he’s a lot better.

Indeed, his release clause and contract situation make him available and cheap. But were Tanaka, a player likened to Jude Bellingham, have a contract until 2028 he would be worth a whole lot more than £2.65m.

That said, Gustavo Hamer is a better player but at £18m, you would argue the Brazilian is overpriced. Sheffield United are seemingly fed up of Leeds and the price is big given Leeds are a big promotion rival.