Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is a huge fan of John Swift...

What's the word?

That's according to The Athletic's Phil Hay, who dropped the big revelation earlier this week amid the Whites' links to the Reading playmaker.

The ever-reliable journalist was asked about Leeds' potential plans to sign a new central midfielder during the January transfer window, in which he responded:

"I can definitely see the value in signing a centre mid in the window, partly to help this season but partly to create one less job for the summer window (which will be far more active).

"They were clearly very keen on O’Brien but I don’t know if I see Huddersfield lowering his value (particularly with him on a new contract).

"[It] was interesting to see John Swift linked over the weekend because Swift is someone Bielsa quietly admires."

January swoop?

Indeed, the Yorkshire giants have been heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old attacking midfielder.

Earlier this week Sheffield-based outlet The Star claimed that United had been resigned to the fact that they will not be able to compete with interest from the Premier League, with Leeds mentioned.

Despite the Royals' league struggles this campaign, the former Chelsea graduate has been in scintillating form and ultimately, he would make for an exciting signing, especially under the tutelage of Bielsa, who is clearly an admirer.

As per Transfermarkt, Swift has scored eight goals and provided seven assists, which makes him amongst the most prolific in the division for goal contributions - only five players (all strikers) have scored more, and he ranks second overall for assists.

One Leeds Fan YouTuber Conor McGilligan recently claimed that the £3.6m-rated dynamo would be "the perfect Leeds signing" as he "has the technical ability that would sort of replicate a Pablo Hernandez, a Samuel Saiz in tight pockets."

He is currently averaging 2.8 key passes per game in the Championship, so that certainly adds weight to that argument and those are returns that would see him rank first in the current Leeds squad.

Therefore, the claim that Bielsa admires him should leave many supporters around Elland Road absolutely buzzing with excitement heading into January.

The Argentine hasn't been wrong with his targets too often, so if he wants Swift at the club, then he should be trusted.

AND in other news, Forget Dan James: Bielsa must now turn to 20-year-old Leeds gem who's "impossible to handle"...