Azzedine Ounahi would be a great third January signing for Leeds United, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Premier League side have been heavily linked with a move for the Angers SCO midfielder since the World Cup but are yet to get a deal over the line, despite an initial bid.

Express transfer expert Ryan Taylor told GIVEMESPORT that the Whites had offered the Ligue 1 outfit around £17.5m but other reports suggest that they are holding out for a little more at around €25m (£22m).

And O'Rourke believes it would be a signal of intent in backing under-fire manager Jesse Marsch if the club were to land his signature, following the additions of Max Wober (£11m) and club-record signing Georginio Rutter (£35.5m) already this window.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said:

"If Leeds can get in Ounahi as well, then I think it would be a great deal for the club.

"I think the club have definitely backed Jesse Marsch in this market with signings and they'll be hoping that's enough to keep them up."

Indeed, Morocco's World Cup "revelation" - as described by scout Jacek Kulig - would be a considerable option to have available for the engine room as he's an atypical Marsch-like machine, also being dubbed "progressive," "fast" and "dynamic" too.

His dribbling ability (2.54 completed per 90), which sees him rank inside the top 1% of all midfielders across Europe's elite divisions over the last year, and ball retention has seen him compared to the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Gavi in terms of statistical profile, via FBref, which only adds to the furore over his potential at just 22.

Once lauded as a little "protege" by former coach Corentin Bouchard, Ounahi hit the headlines in Qatar with his "absolutely incredible" displays, as described by none other than Jose Mourinho.

If there is only a few million difference in valuation between the two sides, then director of football Victor Orta ought to just pay up to sign their clear midfield target, especially after the exit of Mateusz Klich to the MLS as he leaves behind a big void in engine room depth.

AND in other news, Radrizzani could face De Ketelaere repeat at Leeds with "incredible" £22m target..