Leeds United are reportedly prepping a move to sign talented Manchester City youngster Nico O\u2019Reilly in the January window, with Daniel Farke finally hopeful his side can end their long search to sign a new No.10 and TEAMtalk assessing their chances of pulling off a deal.<\/p>\n
The Whites brought in 10 new players during the summer as they look to give Farke\u2019s side a fighting chance of surviving back among the Premier League. While they were comprehensively beaten in a 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal, four points from two games at Elland Road gives Leeds United<\/a> hope they can at least compete.<\/p>\n While they did manage to strengthen their midfield and attack, one area Leeds failed to address in the summer was their long-standing need for more creativity. And despite links to the likes of Emi Buendia, Gus Hamer and Facundo Buonanotte \u2013 the Whites almost agreeing a deal with the latter before Chelsea hijacked the deal \u2013 Farke and Co ultimately fell short.<\/p>\n Indeed, in their last outing against Newcastle, Leeds lacked the necessary craft and guile to cut open the visitors\u2019 defence. And while they were competitive in midfield and look strong at the back, their uninspiring failure to break the deadlock will not be lost on the Whites manager, who once again turned to American Brenden Aaronson off the bench.<\/p>\n However, an answer could be presented to Farke in the January window after Caught Offside<\/a> reported Leeds were already showing an interest in signing Manchester City star O\u2019Reilly.<\/p>\n The 20-year-old stands at a striking 6ft 4in and is currently contracted to the Etihad until June 2028.<\/p>\n The subject of attention from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, the report now claims Leeds are ready to push for a move to bring the star, described by The Times<\/a> as \u2018an attacking midfielder with flair\u2019 who is \u2018graceful and fluid with the ball at his feet\u2019.<\/p>\n And with the Whites having now gone eight transfer windows and four years since Pablo Hernandez left, they could finally now be gifted the chance at a perfect January deal\u2026<\/p>\n IN-DEPTH<\/strong>\u00a0\u26aa\ud83d\udfe1\ud83d\udd35\u00a0Ranking all 10 Leeds United summer signings: The big gamble to the significant upgrade<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n O\u2019Reilly is exactly what Leeds need \u2013 move could be the perfect solution<\/strong><\/p>\n Per the report, Leeds do face competition for O\u2019Reilly with Brighton and Chelsea also credited with an interest.<\/p>\n However, the Whites could prove the perfect option for City, with a loan until the end of the season likely to be sanctioned by Pep Guardiola, who does not want to part ways with another highly-acclaimed youngster he rates highly.<\/p>\n That would instantly rule out Chelsea, while City also know that a move to Leeds would likely guarantee the player, who has five goals and two assists from 23 senior appearances, a quicker pathway into the first team than he would at Brighton.<\/p>\n A win-win for both clubs and the player himself.<\/p>\n Leeds managing director Robbie Evans has, however, distanced the club from potential January recruits.<\/p>\n Speaking earlier this week<\/a>, Evans stated:\u00a0\u201cI think whether it\u2019s in the window or it\u2019s free agent market only, or it\u2019s January, it\u2019s all about what does the team actually need?<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is the opportunity cost, as far as the buy you can\u2019t make later on, or the sale you might have to make out of your current roster?<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think right now there\u2019s any need so great that it\u2019s worth going to the free agent market to fill it, in part because I doubt the right player is there.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a great market for injuries. So last year brought Josuha [Guilavogui] on. We had an emergency crisis with injuries. But beyond that, it\u2019s probably wait and see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n However, while Leeds have only signed Conor Roberts on loan from Burnley over the last two windows, Farke has said his club are always open to potential opportunities if the right player comes on to the market.<\/p>\n O\u2019Reilly could very easily tick that box for Leeds and would be a low-cost signing for 49ers Enterprises, albeit on a temporary arrangement only.<\/p>\n Leeds latest: Calvert-Lewin signing explained; triple sale blocked<\/strong><\/p>\n Meanwhile, it\u2019s been explained why Leeds United believe free-agent summer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the player best equipped to fire the club to Premier League safety<\/a>, with the Whites\u2019 medical team backed to transform his fortunes.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also been revealed that Leeds blocked the chance to sell three of their big-name players this summer<\/a> in a move that could have given them more cash to spend on new arrivals.<\/p>\n