Leeds transfer news: Victor Orta's £48.3m January plan with four signings wanted - Daily and Sunday Express 25/12/21
LEEDS are in need of some changes with relegation a serious threat after struggling in the first half of the season.
By STUART BALLARD
Leeds sporting director Victor Orta will arguably face his
most difficult transfer window next month with Marcelo Bielsa's side struggling
for form this campaign. After impressing in their first season back in the top
flight since 2004 last season, Leeds were expected to kick on and climb even
further up the table.
A respectable ninth-placed finish last season had some fans
dreaming of European football once again.
Little over £50million was spent in the summer with Daniel
James becoming the club's second most expensive signing along with a few others
to freshen things up.
James has been unable to find consistent form though while
Patrick Bamford's absence through injury hasn't helped Bielsa's cause.
Heading into Christmas, Leeds sit just five points above the
relegation zone having lost four games on the bounce.
And it looks as though Orta is planning to freshen things up
in January in a bid to climb back up the table.
According to The Telegraph, Leeds are keen on a loan move
for Tottenham's Joe Rodon.
Newcastle are said to be the frontrunners, but it's clear
that strengthening in defence will be a key feature in January.
But improvements may be needed all over the park and Rubin
Kazan winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is a potential option.
Rubin Kazan’s general manager Rusten Saimanov admitted
recently that a bid in the region of £18m would be enough for them to sell the
Georgia international.
“What if they offer 20 million (euros) for him? I can’t
refuse,” he said.
In midfield, Napoli's Eljif Elmas is reported to be a target
by Talha Arslan but face competition from Borussia Dortmund.
It is claimed that Leeds are prepared to bid £15.3m to test
Napoli's resolve for the 22-year-old.
Elmas has shown his versatilty this season in playing in a
number of positions and showed exactly what he's capable of against Leicester
earlier this month as he scored twice in a 3-2 win.
With Bamford's injury woes continuing and those coming in to
replace the England international struggling for form, a central striker may
also been needed.
According to 90min, Leeds are 'keen' on signing Orlando City
sensation Daryl Dike.
Dike impressed in a short-term loan spell with Barnsley
earlier this year, scoring nine goals in just 14 starts.
Burnley were unable to meet the £15m buyout clause, but
Leeds are reportedly considering an offer.
And the report claims that Orlando City are open to letting
Dike leave in the New Year.
The January transfer window is not often favoured by
managers to make big changes, but Leeds' precarious position may push them to
go against the grain.
And signing all four players for little under £50m may well
be the difference for Leeds staying in the Premier League for another season.
