An update has emerged on Leeds United's transfer plans, regarding Reading midfielder John Swift...

What's the talk?

According to LeedsLive, the Yorkshire giants are not actively looking to pursue a deal for the former Chelsea man in the January window.

The report claim that Swift is out of contract at the end of the season and is currently expected to see out the rest of the Championship campaign.

January disaster

Leeds are on course for a January disaster following this update as failing to sign Swift could be a missed opportunity for Victor Orta.

The Whites have struggled in front of goal this season, with Raphinha the only one in the squad who has been a consistent threat in the final third, and could improve their chances of avoiding relegation by improving their attacking options in January. This is why they must make a move for Swift as he has the potential to come in and make an impact.

Raphinha is the only player in the squad with more than two Premier League goals, whilst Patrick Bamford is the only player with more than one assist (two). Swift, meanwhile, has 17 direct goal contributions in the Championship for Reading, with eight goals and nine assists.

Royals boss Veljko Paunovic previously lauded the midfielder's talents, saying:

"Now he's back, it is important we keep him healthy and motivated as he is now because that will help us a lot.

"He is super talented and he showed an urgency that he wanted to decide the game."

Back in November, Athletic reporter Phil Hay dropped this line in a Q&A: "Was interesting to see John Swift linked over the weekend because Swift is someone Bielsa quietly admires."

This suggests that he is a player Bielsa would love to have at Elland Road, with his statistics for Reading also backing the potential he holds to make it at the top level. He is in outstanding form in the second tier and deserves an opportunity to show that he can perform in the Premier League, which is why Orta must make a move for him.

Bielsa's squad, based on their stats this season, are in dire need of more creativity in the final third and Swift is a player who has shown - in the Championship at least - that he can score and provide goals at an impressive rate. With his contract up at the end of the campaign, it also seems unlikely that it would take a fortune for Leeds to prize him away.

AND in other news, Leeds could sell "shocking" Christiansen flop by signing "wonderful" £9m-rated star...