Leeds United are sure to be considering a move for an extra forward during the January window, and if they can secure a loan, there might be options elsewhere in the Premier League.

Daniel Farke has only a matter of weeks before the January window opens. While there’s not going to be a great deal of cash being splashed on big-money signings, additions are needed.

In particular, I think we’re all in agreement that reinforcements are needed in the final third more than anything else.

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Leeds United linked with shock move to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United

If you’re looking for goals, I don’t think many of you would have fancied us going for a Manchester United striker at the moment.

Namely, Joshua Zirkzee.

However, a report from Italian outlet Il Messagero claims that United are one of a few clubs monitoring the Old Trafford forward ahead of this January transfer window.

Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee is being linked with a move to Leeds United. (REUTERS/Phil Noble)

West Ham have also reportedly asked the question of Man United over the Dutchman’s availability, while the most likely destination appears to be Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma.

Zirkzee’s move to the Red Devils back in the summer of 2024 for a reported £36.5million hasn’t gone to plan thus far. He’s managed just four goals and one assist in the Premier League since joining.

Reliability of Leeds United transfer links to Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee assessed

There’s a few reasons why you should take this ‘rumour’ with a pinch of salt.

The main one is that the only news is coming out of Italy, and as we’ve learned a lot at Leeds, it’s that plenty of Italian sources like to use Leeds’ name to drive value up for possible transfers to Serie A clubs.

Leeds United Chairman Paraag Marathe is under pressure to deliver a successful January transfer window. (REUTERS/Russell Cheyne)

Take Nikola Krstovic in the summer – he was never once even considered by Leeds. But, Italian media had you thinking he was boarding a plane to Leeds Bradford at any minute. He instead joined Atalanta as his agent pushed hard to get him out of Lecce.

So, it leads me to believe that Zirkzee isn’t a firm target. But, he’s maybe someone Leeds are tempted into if the finances are in order and the player himself is keen.

According to the initial report, Zirkzee isn’t totally keen to move to a side in the relegation battle. But, beggars can’t be choosers after two sub-par campaigns.

Could Leeds United get their own Georginio Rutter by signing Joshua Zirkzee?

What sort of player could Leeds get if they did firm up any supposed interest in Zirkzee?

For one, they’d probably get more out of him than Man United are. They’ve become a graveyard for exciting attacking signings.

More specifically, though, Zirkzee reminds me a lot of Georginio Rutter. An imposing, tall and strong frame (Zirkzee is 6ft4in) is backed up by exceptional control of the ball and trickery in tight spaces to open up the pitch.

Leeds United could look for their own Georginio Rutter this January. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)

We were linked with Zirkzee when he was at Bayern Munich in 2022, and I liked the look of him then. His goalscoring consistency obviously needs work, and that would be an obstacle for Leeds. Obviously, knowing we need players to help relieve the burden on Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha is vital.

However, in our shift to a 3-5-2, Leeds could do with a forward more capable of connecting our attackers with ball-carrying and creativity between the lines. Someone like Zirkzee could thrive playing with a more traditional target man alongside them. In turn, it would massively help Leeds’ balance in attack.

A creator that’s capable of playing up front as well as dropping out wide or into midfield might be what helps unlock the best of Leeds’ new formation.

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