Leeds United

Leeds United

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Leeds Utd transfer news: Orta to begin talks with Torino man seen as dream Adam Forshaw upgrade

Sasa Lukic, Torino midfielder, in action during Serie A clash v Cagliari

Leeds United are ready to step up the chase for a Torino midfielder fast emerging as one of their primary January targets, claim reports in Italy.

The Whites have accrued 15 points so far this season with four wins and seven defeats from their 14 games played so far. They have shown their abilities in winning at Anfield and defeating Chelsea 3-0. But disappointing defeats at home to Fulham and away at Brentford illustrate a lack of consistency in Jesse Marsch’s side.

They do also have a number of issues that need fixing heading into the January window. The Whites could certainly benefit from a new striker with Patrick Bamford coming close to a year without a goal. Fitness issues and a subsequent lack of confidence in front of goal means his last goal came 12 months ago in a 2-2 draw with Brentford.

Left-back also appears a perennial problem for the Whites. Summer 2021 signing Junior Firpo has failed to live up to expectations, with Pascal Struijk filling in as cover for much of the season.

Boss Jesse Marsch though needs a more agile and mobile performer there than Struijk, who, in fairness, has performed above expectations.

However, the first new signing could indeed come in midfield. TEAMtalk revealed that Leeds face a battle to retain Mateusz Klich’s services, with a lack of football costing him the chance to go to the World Cup.

Leeds want to keep Klich until the summer, but there are a queue of clubs looking to prise him away in January.

In addition, reports recently have revealed Adam Forshaw looks destined to leave Elland Road. His deal expires in the summer anyway and Leeds are ready to let him leave now after he fell down the pecking order.

Leeds want Sasa Lukic as another midfield option

As a result, strengthening the midfield has become an immediate priority for Leeds. Summer signings Marc Roca and Tyler Adams have both performed exceptionally well since their arrivals. But the depth in their squad is not great and injury to either would leave Leeds stretched.

Adams will also be serving a one-match ban when the season resumes with a tough clash against reigning champions Manchester City at Elland Road.

To that end, a move for Lukic would certainly make a lot of sense.

The 26-year-old is part of Serbia’s World Cup squad and will be hoping to help his side reach the last-16. Their squad, however, has been disrupted by shocking allegations that one of their star players has had an affair with a teammate’s partner.

However, as soon as their World Cup adventure is over, Calciomercato are tipping Leeds to make contact with Lukic over a potential deal.

The Italian paper claims a sizeable bid will force Torino to cash in, with Leeds and Roma seemingly leading the chase.

And while there are reports Roma could try and tempt them with a swap deal, it is the Whites who seemingly are in pole position.

Leeds director of football Victor Orta is now reportedly set to make his move, amid claims a £20m offer will secure his signing.

Lukic has already suggested he is open to a move, commenting last month: “To be honest, I have big ambitions. I’m sure I’ll get where I set my sights, and whether it’s after the World Cup or next summer, we’ll see.”

READ MORELeeds Utd facing fight to keep prized summer signing with Serie A giants dreaming of ambitious raid