Leeds United

Leeds United

Championship

Source claims Leeds have midfielder shortlist with one deal done for Bielsa

Nahitan Nandez (Cagliari Calcio) celebrates after scoring goal v Napoli at Diego Maradona stadium, Serie A - linked with Leeds move

Leeds United are now stepping up their efforts to land a new midfielder this January, with a reliable source reporting that remains the club’s top priority of the January transfer window.

Marcelo Bielsa’s troops have found the going that little bit harder during their second season in the Premier League. With the side riddled with injuries, the Whites have won just four of their 19 games played so far. And while Sunday’s much-needed win over Burnley eases their relegation fears, strengthening their squad is very much on their mind.

To that end, chief executive Angus Kinnear has given some indication over their plans for the upcoming window. And while he wants Leeds to strengthen, he knows their position at the wrong end of the table could be a cause for concern.

Nonetheless, Leeds are pressing ahead with plans to strengthen and their midfield is understood to be their No 1 priority.

As such, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth insists that is now Leeds’ transfer window focus.

“Leeds United made their first signing of the window on Tuesday. They have a shortlist of midfield options now,” he said.

To that end, a report on Tuesday claimed Leeds had made contact with Marseille over the Boubacar Kamara transfer.

The Whites are also being linked with other signings too. Indeed, a report earlier this week cited Cagliari’s Nahitan Nandez was being targeted, amid claims his asking price has been drastically reduced.

Championship pair seen as Leeds options

More modest options include Reading’s John Swift, a player Bielsa admires, and Huddersfield’s Lewis O’Brien.

Whoever they go for, Bielsa will hope Leeds can strengthen their midfield pool come the end of January.

Leeds to spoil Man Utd plan for Boubacar Kamara

Leeds to spoil Man Utd plan for Boubacar Kamara

Bielsa wants to strenghen midfield and have eyes on two targets

With Kalvin Phillips sidelined until March, Leeds have had to rely heavily on the returning Adam Forshaw.

Bielsa, however, has always played down Leeds’ transfer prospects, and said this when questioned last month.

“With regards to signings, if there is any player the club is in conditions to bring in – and is better than the players at our disposal – then we will consider this. But we all know the difficulties of the winter transfer market. It is difficult to find players who don’t have a place in the team they are in.”

New boy Fernandez sets out aims

That one signing Sheth refers to the capture of striker Mateo Joseph Fernandez, who signed from Espanyol earlier this week.

The teenage striker will initially go into their Under-23s squad.

After committing his future to Elland Road on Tuesday, Joseph took to social media to express his determination to make an impact.

“Today I lived one of the most exciting days of my life and I only have words of gratitude for all Leeds Unitedfor the welcome they gave me, I felt at home,” Joseph wrote on Instagram.

“Today a new challenge begins, surrounded by my family that has always been there for me.

“I will give everything to defend these MOT colours. Thank you all – let’s goooo!”

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