Leeds United are reportedly very interested in signing Borussia Dortmund star Raphael Guerreiro this year and the Portuguese left-back could be Jesse Marsch's own Joao Cancelo at Elland Road.

TEAMtalk suggested in December that the Whites were readying a contract offer for the 29-year-old who looks set to leave Signal Iduna Park this year, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Leeds could approach the Portugal international on a pre-contract deal now but may be convinced to bring him to Elland Road this month considering Marsch's lack of options at left-back, with "liability" Junior Firpo having flattered to deceive since joining the club from Barcelona.

It would undoubtedly be a coup for the Yorkshire outfit if they could sign Guerreiro this month, given that he has experience playing at the top level with Dortmund in the Champions League, with two goals in just four appearances in Europe so far this campaign.

This season has seen the left-back contribute one goal and two assists in 12 Bundesliga appearances, with WhoScored awarding him a solid 6.88 average rating.

Considering this would rank him as the second-best performer in Leeds' squad, it is clear the quality he could add to Marsch's squad, and it is easy to see why Victor Orta is reportedly so keen to do a deal.

Dortmund manager Eden Terzic was full of praise for the defender last year, saying: “[He is] an amazing player. So you see especially against a deep defending side, we want him to get on the ball because he makes things happen.”

Should he arrive at Elland Road this year, he could potentially emulate Portuguese teammate Cancelo, who has established himself as one of the world's best in his position since joining Manchester City, contributing nine goals and 21 assists in 122 appearances for the Citizens.

According to FBref, Cancelo is the second-most similar player to Guerreiro when compared to other full-backs across Europe.

The two players have registered remarkably similar statistics this season with regard to goals and assists per 90 (0.26 vs 0.23), passes leading to a shot (26 vs 28) and blocks (14 vs 15).

WhoScored also suggests that both Cancelo and Guerreiro excel at passing and holding onto the ball, which suggests they are modern, attack-minded full-backs.

Given Cancelo's success at City, Marsch would surely be foolish to turn down a player so similar, so he should do all he can to bring Guerreiro - who could command around £22m - to Elland Road this month.