Leeds are already making plans to bolster the squad for Daniel Farke in January.
De Telegraaf in the Netherlands claim that Leeds are in talks to sign Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar – a man who can remarkably boast 18 goals in 18 games for the Dutch side and Ireland so far this season.
The Irishman is not the only one on the shortlist – however – as Sportsboom now claim that Leeds hope to sign Raheem Sterling this winter.
Leeds United battling Crystal Palace for Raheem Sterling
Sportsboom exclusively reveal that Leeds are planning to sign the England international from Chelsea in the January transfer window, keen to offer him an escape from his Stamford Bridge nightmare.
Sterling is yet to play a single minute of football so far this season after Enzo Maresca banished him from the dressing room, for no particular reason other than the fact he does not feature in his plans and was unable to find a new club in the summer transfer window.
Which position do Leeds United need to strengthen most in January?
Sportsboom state that Leeds are on alert to the situation and hope to bring the 30-year-old to Yorkshire this winter, with Farke in desperate need of attacking reinforcements.
No Leeds player can boast more than two goals this season, which sums it up.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Sterling is said to prefer a stay in London for family reasons, but Leeds believe the promise of regular football could help to lure the Kingston-born forward to Elland Road.
The Chelsea outcast is still contracted to the Blues until July 2027, so any move to Leeds is likely to be a loan deal – especially with the Whites struggling when it comes to Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Robbie Evans on Leeds United’s PSR position:
“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
Raheem Sterling fits exactly what Daniel Farke said he wants at Leeds United
Farke spoke about the importance of experience recently when attempting to survive in the Premier League, saying: “I wanted to sign (for) this season just players who are at a good age, between 23 and 30, not down the hill already (but) not a project. If you are a newly promoted side and you are normally used to winning football games… and you head into the Premier League… you will lose games. If you dwell under it by losing games and this sucks you down into quicksand, you have no chance to survive.
“This is what happens to teams that are then relegated in the end – (without experienced, mature players) they panic, they lose their confidence and their calmness. For that… I wanted to sign characters who know this level… who have delivered on Premier League level.”
Sterling – who can boast 123 in 396 Premier League appearances and 82 caps for England – has experience in abundance, and would be a major coup for Leeds given the circumstances.
If Leeds can convince him to ignore Crystal Palace and the chance to stay in London, this deal could well be on.