Leeds United transfer news: Whites lead midfielder chase, Phillips presses for new signing

One name that has already emerged is that of Sampdoria midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard, who is making quite the impact in Serie A this term.

Initial reports from the Daily Star suggested that the Whites were one of a number of Premier League clubs chasing the 20-year-old, with Southampton, West Ham, and Tottenham Hotspur also in the running for his signature.

But a fresh update from Italian outlet La Repubblica, via Sport Witness, could prove to be music to the ears of Leeds supporters.

They suggest that the Yorkshire giants have “moved ahead” in the race to sign the Dane, and have already “tested the waters” by initiating contact over a potential deal.

That fits in with recent comments from financial guru Kieran Maguire, who told Football Insider that the Whites’ strong position in the Premier League table could give Elland Road chiefs the confidence to make tentative enquiries about possible summer deals.

In terms of the kind of player Damsgaard is, he looks to be tailor-made for Marcelo Bielsa’s outlook and style of play.

Young and incredibly versatile, the Denmark international can play anywhere in that midfield engine room, or out on either flank.

His stats are good too. So far this season, he has averaged a higher xG than Elland Road stalwart Mateusz Klich, as well making 1.86 more interceptions, and completing 12.2% more dribbles.

Former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri is currently his manager in Genoa, and the veteran Italian has already labelled the up-and-coming prospect is “very talented”.

Elsewhere, Kevin Phillips has urged Leeds to bring in cover in the centre of midfield for his namesake Kalvin.

The Whites have struggled without the England international this season, winning just one of the four Premier League matches that he has missed through injury or suspension.

And speaking to Football Insider, former Sunderland talisman Phillips has argued that Bielsa's men must look to strengthen in the middle of the park.

He said: “The thing with Leeds is, Kalvin’s missed a few chunks of games this year and they’ve got away with it and dealt with it.

“Maybe Bielsa’s thought that if he does need to miss three or four games then we can cover in that area.

“They’re not going to get relegated, they’re probably not going to get into that top six so they can probably get away with it.

“That might be the thinking but obviously next year that might be an area they need to look at.

“At some point they will lose him again next year, whether that’s through suspension or an injury.

“I think for this season they’ll be fine but I think for next season they’ll look at that area.”

Could Damsgaard be the man who Bielsa is eyeing up to reinforce his ranks in the centre of the park?

We’ve gathered the rest of this afternoon’s Premier League gossip below: