By Mark Smith

23rd Dec, 2021 | 10:15am

Leeds want to sign Sampdoria defender Omar Colley who could be out until February

Leeds United are plotting a January move for Sampdoria defender Omar Colley, according to TEAMtalk.

The online outlet has shared on their website that competition is high with Everton and Newcastle also interested.

It is reported that Colley is likely to be out of action while at the African Cup of Nations with Gambia in the next two months.

That isn’t said to have put clubs such as the Whites off a potential major move in the January window.

With Colley at the African Cup of Nations, he would likely not be available until February if a move is completed.

Despite that, it is suggested that Leeds are still happy to go ahead and get the deal over the line if possible.

Crisis?

Despite not usually liking January to complete transfers, it looks as though Victor Orta and Marcelo Bielsa have been left with no choice.

All areas of the squad are currently struggling with injuries, but Colley would strengthen the heart of the defence.

Liam Cooper, Charlie Cresswell and Pascal Struijk are all still out with injury problems this month, and Diego Llorente has also been hit by illness.

That means Robin Koch is the only senior central defender available, with Luke Ayling once again moving centrally to cover the losses.

Having someone such as Colley would help massively, although he definitely isn’t the answer to our problems.

The Whites need someone who can come in and make a difference instantly, so having to wait over a month for Colley to arrive would make no sense.

Time to look elsewhere.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to make major January signings with unexpected deals to force action