Leeds have reportedly held talks with the agent of rising Barcelona talent Riqui Puig, who emerged onto the scene with a bang. According to 90min, the Catalonians have offered the 21-year-old on loan to Marcelo Bielsa's side ahead of the January transfer window.

This is a deal that would suit the Whites down to ground, considering that they already spent a hefty amount during the summer and Puig has a reported release clause of £88million.

However, should a loan spell convince Andrea Radrizzani to fork out for a permanent deal, the Championship winners will surely be able to negotiate a deal and raise the funds somehow. But this would all but certainly cause problems at Elland Road for Jamie Shackleton.

Shackleton at risk

Bielsa's star player, Patrick Bamford, is 27-years-old. Whilst other Premier League clubs have exciting young talent coming through the system, Leeds are having to rely on a more senior player to produce the bulk of the magic in front of goal.

Only Ian Poveda and Shackleton have been given the opportunity to impress this season and the latter appears to have squandered his chance. Although he is currently out injured, the midfielder fell out of favour under Bielsa, who hauled him off at half-time against Leicester.

Signing a fellow 21-year-old who currently has three assists for Barcelona's first team would surely only further hinder Shackleton's chances of starting for the Whites.

Puig, who is currently on a £25,000 per week contract, has made 17 senior appearances for the La Liga giants and boast fives goals and 16 assists in their youth leagues (via Transfermarkt). He certainly caught the eye of many during his early years, with Premier League icon and fellow Spaniard Cesc Fabregas claiming he "can become like Iniesta".

If Leeds sign a player with such high expectations and the ability to transform their midfield, the already struggling Shackleton only risks being elbowed further out of Bielsa's squad.

In other news, Not signing Matty Cash saved Luke Ayling’s Elland Road status...