Leeds United are claimed to be one of multiple Premier League clubs alerted to the possibility of signing Manchester City’s versatile midfielder Nico O’Reilly in the near future.

The transfer window is now shut and Daniel Farke is forced to cope with his current options at Elland Road, having made it very clear he sees Leeds’ survival chances are now slimmer without the attacking arrival(s) he wanted.

It wasn’t for the lack of trying on deadline day, but United’s recruitment staff are now going to have to plan for the January window if they still intend to get someone in as soon as possible.

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Leeds United monitoring Nico O’Reilly’s Manchester City situation ahead of possible transfer move

There’s very little Leeds can do now to rectify their need for an attacking midfield signing other than compile extensive dossiers on players that may be available in the new year.

One of those could well be Manchester City talent Nico O’Reilly, as CaughtOffside claim that United are keeping an eye on his situation at the Etihad.

Largely deployed as a deputy full-back, O’Reilly is expected to be short of consistent playing time at Man City this season following another period of hefty spending, including £36million left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Leeds are one of the clubs named in the report as an interested party in O’Reilly, alongside league rivals Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Chelsea, plus interest from the continent in the form of Lyon

(REUTERS/Jaimi Joy)

As far as Man City’s stance on the player is concerned, it appears as though Man City would much rather keep the 20-year-old after Fabrizio Romano revealed a new long-term contract was in the pipeline, despite no official announcement following at this stage.

Guardiola has sang the midfielder’s praises for his versatility in stepping into the side well last season, commenting in April this year.

“The impact has been good,” said Guardiola, per the BBC. “I don’t know if these young players are able to play three games a week during a month. But it’s a reality already. I admire a lot that he is playing in a position he has never played before. He is learning. Of course, he has to improve, but with the ball it’s good.

“His position is – I’m pretty sure – attacking midfielder and every cross he is on the penalty spot. That’s what I like as an attacking midfielder.

“I’m pretty sure [he is a midfielder], otherwise he doesn’t score the goals like he has scored so far. He likes to be there, he has a good shot and quality in small spaces and it’s helping us.”

Leeds United badly need a new attacking midfield signing, O’Reilly would be an interesting option

It goes without saying that Leeds simply had to sign a new attacking midfielder during the summer window, and failed Farke in that regard.

As for O’Reilly, it’s an interesting case as he’s not only seen as an attacking midfielder under Guardiola, but has often been used as full-back in this Man City team.

To have that versatility is a really good trait going forward and if available for a decent price, we shouldn’t be against this sort of signing.

How likely it is, is another question given the price he’s likely to cost and the competition also in for him.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!