Ethan Ampadu mooted for January Leeds United exit by TV commentator

Ian Darke has mooted Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu as a potential transfer target for Nottingham Forest in January.

The Welshman has been a standout performer throughout his time at Elland Road and his return from long-term injury provided a huge boost for Leeds.

With Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon impressing in defence, Ampadu is likely to reclaim his regular spot in midfield which is the position Darke has identified as an area of improvement for Forest in January with the Welshman mooted as a potential target.

Via ESPN Brazil (25 December), Darke said: "They could consider Leeds United's versatile Ethan Ampadu - he can play in defence or midfield."

Ampadu can be the key to success for Leeds United

Leeds simply cannot afford to lose Ampadu in January with him set to play a crucial role in the promotion run-in.

While Leeds have coped well without Ampadu for most of this season, his importance to the side cannot be undermined and his value is astounding.

His ability to play in various roles matched with his pure footballing quality makes him one of the most important players at Elland Road and his exit can't even be considered.

Ensuring that the Whites retain their key players will prove crucial to their promotion hopes as well as their ability to add quality to the squad where possible with a busy transfer window forecasted.

With a three-point gap present at the summit of the Championship, Leeds certainly have every chance of making a return to the Premier League but the loss of Ampaudu would provide a significant blow to those hopes.

Darke's comments showcase how highly Ampadu is thought of but for all involved with Leeds, let's hope nothing more comes of that this January.

In other Leeds United news, Carlton Palmer has predicted if one player will depart in January.

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