Leeds United could be facing another Seth Johnson-esque nightmare by making a move for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.

What's the story?

According to recent reports from 90min, the English ace is free to leave Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, and is wanted by the likes of Leeds, Newcastle United and Burnley.

Shades of Johnson

A profile done by Goal, said: "Having starred for Derby County, Johnson was being tipped as the future of England's midfield, and as such Leeds forked out £7m for his services.

"Injuries plagued his time in West Yorkshire, though, and he made just 54 league appearances in four seasons with the club. His massive wages, meanwhile, are cited as the best illustration of the mass overspending that crippled the Whites during the early 21st century."

Leeds Live added: "The poster child of the Ridsdale era of over-indulgence. A £7m signing with a hefty wage packet who turned out just 54 times in four years."

If Johnson's career at Elland Road could be mirrored by a modern player, then Barkley arguably fits that bill the most.

Earning a reported £100k-per-week, the midfielder just endured a shocking season while on loan at Aston Villa, managing only three goals and one assist in the Premier League - indeed, he had a shocking second half of the season in particular, with no goals in the top flight since the end of January when he netted in a 1-0 victory over Southampton.

Speaking on The Athletic’s Aston Villa-themed 1874 podcast, journalist Gregg Evans said: "He doesn’t do enough for me now. I’ve seen enough of Ross Barkley now to realise that he’s becoming a bit of a liability for Villa. He’s not helping out enough as he should, really."

And, speaking after he was taken off yet again in the second half against Leicester, Sky Sports pundit Alex Scott slammed him for his display, saying: "For me it’s another missed opportunity for Ross Barkley to show up and demand, he’s been subbed off again and you can see in his face he’s not happy. But how many chances does a player need?

"You need to take it upon yourself. There’s only so many chances that he can be deserving. He’s missed another opportunity today."

Barkley has faced numerous injury problems that have really plagued his career since really making his breakthrough at Everton, and given his big wages too, he doesn't scream a player who could really take Leeds to the next level.

The Whites must simply avoid a major disaster by going after Barkley.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing this La Liga starlet...