Leeds United are eyeing a January transfer move for Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Tavernier, with Victor Orta said to be a big fan of the player.

What's the story?

According to TEAMtalk, Marcelo Bielsa's side have joined the chase for the 22-year-old, with the likes of Southampton, Burnley and Brighton all having watched him closely among Premier League suitors.

The report added that Orta is a confirmed fan of the player, having overseen his rise during his time at the Riverside Stadium a few years ago.

Could be Leeds' own Mason Mount

With the ability to play out wide on either flank, and in the centre of midfield, there's a lot to like about Tavernier and what he could potentially bring to the table at Elland Road.

His former manager Tony Pulis once stated: “Some days he comes in and he's brilliant, some days he's a bit lackadaisical. He's going to be a top player. He'll eventually play in the Premier League."

Indeed, former Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock has even suggested that Tavernier could well end up emulating the success of Mason Mount and the kind of impressive step-up he has made in recent times.

Warnock added: "I think he has a few strings to his bow to be honest. I looked at Mason Mount and how he’s come on in the 12 months, there’s no reason why Tav can’t do that in the next 12 months.

"If he motivates himself and listens he’s got some great attributes and good habits, and one or two not so good. All being well we can put him in the right direction and he’ll become a very good player. Not that he isn’t now but I think he could become even better."

At 22, Tavernier could come on leaps and bounds under Bielsa's guidance at Elland Road, and the man with 14 senior goals to his name could possibly enjoy a rapid rise to stardom with a move to Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, Leeds are facing a transfer battle for this Brazilian ace...