Leeds United have been one of many clubs linked with a move for Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia, with the Senegalese star only furthering the transfer furore with his fine performances at the World Cup.

The back end of November saw the Whites referenced in a report that detailed their interest alongside Everton, West Ham United and Leicester City, however, it is a fresh report on a different matter that could bode well on the transfer front for the Yorkshire outfit.

Having become somewhat reliant on Rodrigo’s goals this campaign, of which he has nine in the Premier League, Joe Gelhardt has fallen down the pecking order.

Even with the injury to Patrick Bamford, it seems the 20-year-old’s performances from last season have not merited him an increased role within the squad as he has just 162 league minutes to his name.

Notching a last-gasp winner at Norwich City and a magical assist for their equaliser against Brighton & Hove Albion, the youngster played a large role in their narrow escape from the drop last season.

It even led Victor Orta to praise his incredible mindset for someone so young: “His intensity, his winning mentality, his range... He has the ice with fire.”

Despite this, rumours have emerged that suggest the club will field loan interest for their junior marksman, with a view to sending him to the Championship.

This expulsion for the remainder of the season could be making space for a January arrival, with Dia the most likely candidate.

The 26-year-old boasts six goals and two assists in just 14 Serie A appearances this season and has managed to translate this form into World Cup success.

Having led the line with power and pace, the £20k-per-week finisher played a huge role in their progression through the group stages.

Whilst his goal against Qatar marks a culmination of this, other statistics better exemplify just how important he has been.

Averaging 2.0 shots per game, he even has recorded a 50% dribble success rate whilst making 1.0 clearances, via Sofascore.

Clearly, he is not afraid to work back and help out defensively – a trait that Jesse Marsch will surely revere – but he boasts the skill to dribble free and create a chance for himself.

It, therefore, serves to prove Dean Jones’ statement true, as he claimed: “Defenders are going to find him a handful”.

With Gelhardt seemingly preparing for a move away, perhaps Dia could come in and prove a headache for Premier League defences until the former Wigan Athletic star is deemed ready for regular senior football.