The Whites have made a concerted effort to steer clear of any notable deals this month, and after Marcelo Bielsa confirmed earlier in the week that his team hadn’t even “contemplated” making any signings, it would be a surprise at this stage if there were any new additions to the squad at Elland Road before the deadline passes.
That doesn’t mean there won’t be outgoings, however, and two of Leeds’ young striking talents have been at the centre of exit speculation.
Rafa Mujica has endured a miserable loan spell at Real Oviedo during the first half of the season, and looks destined to return to boyhood club Las Palmas on another temporary deal instead.
According to Spanish outlet Cope, an agreement has been reached that would see the 22-year-old link up with the Gran Canarian outfit, and now it’s just a case of waiting for the relevant authorities to green light it.
Mujica has been limited to just five appearances at Oviedo, four of which have come from the bench.
One his one and only start he bagged a brace though, and his average of one goal every 66 minutes is considerably better that of Las Palmas’ current top scorer Jonathan Calleri, who has one every 346 minutes.
Elsewhere, Leeds have received widespread interest in taking teenage striker Joe Gelhardt on loan this month, as per Football Insider.
The youngster has impressed immensely in the youth setup at Thorp Arch since he signed for the Whites from Wigan Athletic over the summer, and has already hit five goals in nine outings for the U23s.
His rate of one strike every 137 minutes is mightily impressive, and hints at a prospering talent who could have a big future ahead of him – especially considering the fact that he’s only 18.
That record hasn’t gone unnoticed by a number of clubs either, with Football Insider suggesting that Leeds have knocked back several loan offers.
Evidently, Bielsa believes that the best place for him to continue his development is at Elland Road…
We’ve gathered the rest of this afternoon's speculation from around the Premier League below:
1. Mujica close to Las Palmas deal
Leeds United forward Rafa Mujica is waiting to rubberstamp his loan move to Las Palmas. An agreement has been reached between the two clubs. (Cope) (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
2. Leeds reject Gelhardt approaches
Leeds have rejected a number of loan approaches for bright young talent Joe Gelhardt this month. (Football Insider) (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey
3. Competition for Sorinola
Leeds face competition from Swansea and Brighton to sign MK Dons defender Matthew Sorinola. The teenager has been in impressive form this season in League One. (Football League World) (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) Photo: Pete Norton
4. Newcastle keen on Lerager
Newcastle United may make a bid for Genoa midfielder Lukas Lerager in the coming days. FC Copenhagen are also interested. (BT) (Photo by Paolo Rattini/Getty Images) Photo: Paolo Rattini