By Mark Smith

23rd Dec, 2019 | 7:00am

Report: Leeds scouts on Saturday mission to watch 20-goal forward, three others keen

Whilst Leeds United lost their 11-game unbeaten run in the 2-1 defeat against Fulham, the club were working hard behind the scenes.

January is fast approaching, and it appears that Victor Orta has been watching a number of targets that could potentially arrive at Elland Road in the next month.

The last winter window wasn’t the best of months for the Whites, as they controversially missed out on Daniel James who later went on to seal a move to Manchester United.

Now, the Scottish Sun has reported that Leeds have joined the race to sign Aberdeen striker Sam Cosgrove in the January window alongside Derby, Middlesbrough, and Stoke City.

It was revealed on their website that the Whites sent scouts to watch the striker in the 2-1 defeat against Celtic on Saturday – a game which saw him score and get sent off.

Dons chairman Dave Cormack has recently admitted that the 23-year-old will only be sold on their terms, with the club braced to receive bids in the next month.

Cosgrove has been in great form this season for Aberdeen. The forward has scored 20 goals across three competitions, including six in as many games in Europa League qualifying earlier in the campaign.

Given that he would only be sold on the terms of the club’s chairman, it might take a big-money offer from Leeds in January.

That would make any move very unlikely for the Whites, who will be more interested in loan moves or free-agents if possible under Andrea Radrizzani next month.

However, Transfermarkt rate him at £450k and Aberdeen only paid £27k for him last year – players are more affordable in Scotland, so he could turn out to be a realistic option, especially if Eddie Nketiah and Jack Clarke are recalled.

In other Leeds United news, ‘He’s done fantastically well’ – Danny Mills gushes over Leeds 27y/o but admits he has ‘problem’