View: Leeds have huge opportunity to sign £15m-rated attacker on cheap after major development
Victor Orta could bag Leeds United a massive bargain this January with Derby County in a whole heap of financial trouble and facing administration and a potential points penalty.
Alan Nixon reported that Derby are trying to sell Jason Knight and Louie Sibley in this window to raise money to help pay the club's wages.
They are actively contacting interested clubs with Leeds likely to be very high on the list for Sibley.
And Derby's predicament took a turn for the worse on Thursday when the Telegraph's John Percy posted an update.
Percy said, "On #dcfc ‘takeover’: players still been not paid and understand Derby have sought another loan from MSD. Money in bank now very low and a genuine threat of administration if this is not sorted ASAP."
Bargain buy
Leeds have been linked strongly with a move for Sibley, with Athletic journalist Phil Hay saying recently, "Louie Sibley is another young prospect they admire that they're keeping their eye on."
Back in October, it was reported that Orta had made an enquiry about Sibley, with Derby valuing him at £15m.
And Leeds have a history of swooping for players they like if the right opportunity presents itself.
Leeds signed Joe Gelhardt last summer from Wigan, who were in administration and forced to sell.
Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony said that Leeds signed him for below market value.
This might be an unfortunate situation for Derby, but given our recent history with them, there's very little sympathy to be had from any Leeds fans.
If we can snap up 19-year-old Sibley, an attacking midfielder who has already made 34 first-team appearances for the club, scoring five goals, then it's a no-brainer.
In their current situation, Derby may well be forced to accept a bid for much less than they would want normally, given that Sibley is under contract until 2024.
In other Leeds United news, Major fitness blow for Brighton as another two players crocked v Leeds, 6 players on sidelines