Leeds United have been linked with a move for Barcelona outcast Riqui Puig as the end of the January transfer window draws near, according to Leeds Live. The 21-year-old has fallen drastically down the pecking order at the Camp Nou, with Ronald Koeman favouring other midfielders over the rising talent.

Puig is out of contract in the summer, which means that Victor Orta will be able to work his magic on negotiating pre-contract terms with the Spaniard.

Would Puig suit Leeds?

Despite the fact the youngster has featured just four times in Barcelona's last ten fixtures, he has shown great promise from the engine room. In his most recent appearance against Real Sociedad, Puig played just 30 minutes but maintained a 92% passing rate and completed 100% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

The Spanish youth international completed the same amount of dribbles as Antoine Griezmann in the win over their La Liga rivals. This goes someway to highlight just how good Puig is with the ball at his feet and he has ability to pick out the right pass almost every time.

Leeds would really benefit from signing another creative midfielder. In their most recent loss against Brighton, the Whites' engine room was pretty stagnant as they struggled to threaten the opposition's backline. According to Sofascore, no midfielder managed to complete more than 79% accurate passes and a combined three successful crosses were recorded from all four midfield starters.

The demand for goals lies heavily on Patrick Bamford, who is way out in front as Leeds' top scorer with ten goals. This is seven more than the player with the next highest, who is Mateusz Klich with three, according to BBC Sport.

For a team still buzzing off the back of their Championship-winning season, this dip in form must be damaging for morale. Orta must roll up his sleeves and recruit some smart new options in the transfer window and Puig should be seriously considered.

At just 21-years-old, he has a lot to learn but also also, a lot to give. He will also be free to sign so long as Leeds can make him a decent contract offer, one worth more than his current £25,000 per week deal, which shouldn't be a problem considering summer signing Rodrigo earns a hefty £120,000 per week.

Puig would flourish at Leeds, a side in a position to give him regular minutes to really showcase his worth.

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