Martin Baturina can leave as Leeds make new January approach, loan possible as fee revealed
Leeds United have received a boost to their hopes of signing Como midfielder Martin Baturina in the January transfer window.
Daniel Farke’s side are expected to have a quiet month in the market, but could still make one or two additions ahead of the second half of the season.
Leeds are currently primed to avoid Premier League relegation, eight points clear of West Ham United in 18th, but still have work to do to retain their top-flight status.
The Whites could look to improve their attacking ranks before the deadline closes, and have already made an approach for Baturina.
Martin Baturina set for January exit
Leeds have been tracking Baturina for over a year now, and their interest in the attacking midfielder has spiked once again this month.
The 22-year-old moved to Como from Dinamo Zagreb last summer, with the Italian side breaking their transfer record by spending just over £19million on him.
However, Baturina has struggled for game time under Cesc Fabregas, mainly due to the impressive Nico Paz, who is preferred in the number 10 position.
The Leeds target has made just 11 Serie A appearances so far this season, being included in the starting lineup just twice.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Como are open to letting the Croatian leave in the January window, but it is unknown whether they would consider both loan and permanent bids.
He is liked by Fabregas, but with Paz in front of him in the pecking order, it is unlikely he will get the minutes required in the coming months.
Leeds have already made an enquiry about Baturina, who would cost around the £20m mark.
Who else are Leeds targeting in the January window?
Leeds are yet to make a single signing in January, and there is not expected to be a flurry of activity in the latter stages of the window.
However, one area that Farke could potentially look to address is centre-back, with the Whites having recently switched to a three-back system.
Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi is one man who could be on his way to Elland Road, given that he is out of contract in the summer.
The German outfit have one last chance to cash in on Doekhi, before he can leave for free at the end of the season.
Leeds could look to secure a cut-price deal for the 27-year-old before the window slams shut.