Leeds United are keen to sign Angers SCO midfielder Azzedine Ounahi this month, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano...

In a recent appearance on the House of Champions Podcast, the Italian journalist revealed that the Whites "are interested" and now it is just about seeing "how the conversations go with Angers" over a possible swoop.

Other reports have suggested that the Ligue 1 outfit are looking for around €35m (£30m) to let him leave before deadline day on January 31st.

Morrocco sensation turned Elland Road revelation

Ounahi was one of the standout stars of the recent World Cup in Qatar, excelling for Morrocco in the heart of the pitch. He certainly caught the eye in games against powerhouses like Spain (7.5 rating) and Portugal (7.3), whilst only Hakim Ziyech generated more key passes per game.

His form and consistent displays saw former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho describe the 22-year-old as "absolutely incredible."

The Moroccan has been a consistent box-to-box enforcer at domestic level too, having averaged 1.4 tackles and 1.1 interceptions, as well as 1.2 key passes and 1.6 shots per game from 13 starts, via Sofascore.

As an attack-minded option, Ounahi also ranks inside the top 1% of all midfielders across Europe's leading five leagues for dribbles completed per 90, so it's fair to suggest that he has it all, given the aforementioned returns.

If Whites director of football Victor Orta were to secure a move for him this month, then he could well become a "revelation" - in the words of scout Jacek Kulig - at Elland Road, just as he was at the World Cup.

He has also described the Angers gem as "vertical, fast & dynamic" and as a "progressive carrier," which is why manager Jesse Marsch is likely keen to sign him as he could be a different option to his current first-choice duo Marc Roca and Tyler Adams.

Therefore, the Spanish supremo must look to follow up their interest in "top midfielder" Ounahi - in the words of journalist Pete O'Rourke - with an actual offer as, on the above evidence, he'd be a very exciting addition to Leeds' current squad.

AND in other news, Signed for peanuts, now worth £18m: Orta stuck gold with Leeds' 19 y/o "real diamond"...