Leeds United must seize a perfect chance to sign Derby County starlet Louie Sibley.

What's the story?

Reports in recent weeks had claimed that Marcelo Bielsa's side had joined the chase to sign Sibley this month, along with the midfielder's teammate Jason Knight.

It was suggested that whilst they were on the Whites' radar for this January transfer window, a summer move may be considered more likely. However, The Daily Mail now claim that Derby are facing a bit of a financial crisis, and could be forced to raise some much-needed cash by selling young players who fetch the club some decent money.

It's claimed the Rams are working on a contingency plan to accommodate for the prospect of their proposed takeover falling through, and that they are "losing patience with the proposed new owners and there is a growing feeling the deal is about to fall through".

Forget Rodrigo De Paul

With reports claiming that Leeds face stiff competition for the signature of Udinese star Rodrigo De Paul, making a move for Sibley makes a lot more sense in this transfer window.

Big-money deals are difficult manoeuvres to pull off in January, with the mostly costlier transfers often taking place in the summer. So if Leeds want to reinforce their midfield area and give Bielsa another option as Leeds head into the second-half of their Premier League campaign, then pouncing on Derby's financial woes could be very opportunistic and shrewd.

Wayne Rooney's Championship side aren't in the driving seat when it comes to Sibley's future, and Leeds could make a ruthless move by coming in with a lower than expected offer. Wait until the summer, and Derby may be in a stronger position financially to demand a lot more for the 19-year-old.

So if Andrea Radrizzani is looking for Leeds to clinch a bargain, then this could be the perfect opportunity for them to strike. A low-risk, high-reward move that promises to ensure the Whites spend very little on a very exciting talent.

Meanwhile, Leeds must try and sell this Radrizzani disaster...