Leeds United tipped for January transfer window success as Tottenham, West Ham and Burnley men actively worked for
Ban Jacobs has tipped Leeds United to be “active” and “get some joy” in signing defensive reinforcements before the window closes, as they are currently “working on” three names
The journalist told GiveMeSport (20 January) that Tottenham’s Ben Davies, West Ham’s Ben Johnson and Burnley’s Connor Roberts are the trio that are being actively pursued in the January transfer window.
The Spurs man has been highlighted to be a potential “two-for-one” option due to his ability to play in multiple positions, as Daniel Farke wants “versatile players” before the deadline.
Jacobs said: “I think that Leeds are keeping across Ben Davies because, if Tottenham are to make some changes in their squad, he might be the one that becomes available.
“The beauty of Davies is that he can play at left-back and centre-back. Given the need to strengthen, and how little time there is left in the window, Daniel Farke would like versatile players. He feels like Davies – or equivalents to Davies – could almost be seen as a two-for-one signing. Versatile players are going to be given preference.
“Davies, Ben Johnson and Connor Roberts are the names that Leeds are working on at the moment. It really wouldn’t surprise me if they are active and they get some joy over the course of the next two weeks.”
Clock ticking
Davies feels like an overly-optimistic option but if the Whites are actually working on trying to bring him in then perhaps they have been led to believe it is doable by someone at the Spurs end.
Johnson and Roberts both seem a lot more viable if some sort of financial compromise can be reached in each case.
Farke and his recruitment department will have to hope they can get something over the line, if not more than one, as the defence at Elland Road is only a couple of concurrent injuries away from looking very makeshift.
Having put together a first half of the season that has largely been impressive it would be a major disappointment for Leeds United to be battling at the business end of a potential promotion push with a back line that is relying so heavily on injury concerns and players filling in out of position.
Left-back looked like it needed one new face in heading into the window but Farke’s decision to send Djed Spence back to Totteham, and then allow Luke Ayling his move to Middlesbrough, has made right-back just as iffy.
The breakdown behind the scenes with Charlie Cresswell has also left the Whites short in the middle, and means Ethan Ampadu being removed from his midfield role.
If Davies arrives it would be a definite coup but both the other two names would at least leave fans less on edge about the numbers at the back.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared whether Farke is set to terminate one half of a controversial deal.
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