Leeds United are reportedly keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund defender, Raphael Guerreiro, with a move in the January transfer window potentially on the cards.
What's the word?
That's according to journalist Graeme Bailey, via TEAMtalk, who suggested that the Premier League outfit are keen to strengthen their current left-back options, with sporting director Victor Orta viewing the Portugal international as a top target.
The transfer insider stated:
“As it stands, it appears Guerreiro is not in a hurry to depart Dortmund. Despite no new deal agreed, he knows clubs such as Leeds are watching. Indeed they were in attendance in the last few weeks,
“He is going to get through the World Cup finals and then assess the situation. Dortmund have a host of issues to resolve, like Moukoko and Bellingham, but Guerreiro is another very much towards the top of their agenda.
“Leeds like Guerreiro a lot, and they think he would be an ideal fit. If he was available in January, I believe they would do it – but they are happy to wait for him until the summer.
“However, I would not rule out the possibility of a loan move although Pascal Struijk has been performing well – he is very much a defensive full-back rather than a wing-back and I believe they may look for another option, although the return of Stuart Dallas could get them through until the summer.”
This follows a recent report from 90min that claimed the Elland Road outfit had sent scouts to watch the 28-year-old in action in Germany, with the France-born star facing an uncertain future with the Bundesliga side with his existing deal set to expire in the summer.
'Amazing' signing
A new addition on the left of the defence has arguably become something of a necessity as far as Orta and co are concerned, with the Whites having been left distinctly short of options in that role this season as a result of injuries to both Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo.
That fact has forced the ever-versatile Pascal Struijk - who can also operate in central midfield or at centre-back - to slot into that full-back berth, although the 23-year-old is seemingly not a natural fit in that role, while also offering little in an attacking sense with just one goal and one assist so far this term.
With teenager Leo Hjelde the only other option to take on the left-back vacancy, it has laid bare the need for a quality, senior addition such as Guerreiro to help bolster Jesse Marsch's ranks in the New Year, with such an acquisition potentially set to prove vital in the battle to stave off the drop.
The 58-cap dynamo - who is currently representing his country at the World Cup in Qatar - has been a truly consistent presence for Dortmund over the years, with the £59k-per-week ace having scored a remarkable 37 goals and registered 39 assists in 206 games to date for the club.
That includes an impressive haul of three goals and three assists in all competitions so far this term, including two goals in just four Champions League appearances, having regularly been producing the goods at a high level on the biggest stage.
As pundit Paddy Kenny suggested, adding such an asset to the Yorkshire side could well prove to be an "amazing January signing" for the club, particularly with the chance to land Guerreiro on a cut-price deal amid his contract uncertainty.
While it may prove hard to tempt the player into leaving Champions League football for a possible relegation scrap at Leeds, Orta must surely do all he can to get a deal over the line.