Leeds United could be set to bolster their midfield this January, with a move for a lesser-known talent...

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That's according to Dutch journalist Jan van Halst, who spoke to NOS (via Sport Witness) about a potential move for Algerian midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki.

Within the report, he touts the Twente player with a move to England, stating that a transfer to Elland Road or Southampton would best suit his career path.

He explained this by outlining the best profile of club for him: "Underdogs who occasionally have a good period and want to fight their way out of the bottom ranks. At such teams, he could be of added value with his footballing ability and tactical insight."

Having resisted advances in the summer, as per the report, they are now ready to sanction his departure. It could mark a fine alternative for Azzedine Ounahi after it was reported last week by L'Equipe that he does not favour a move to Jesse Marsch's side.

Klich heir

With Mateusz Klich having left Yorkshire this window, it marked a sad day for fans of the club given how instrumental the Poland international was in their infamous return to the Premier League.

The 32-year-old had featured 195 times for Leeds but was yet to make a start in the league this campaign. He had admittedly fallen way behind in the pecking order, and as such was deserving of his amicable exit to the MLS.

However, Marsch will miss this influential presence who was a fine option to have coming from the bench to try and add some extra steel in the engine room.

His absence will now make the potential acquisition of Zerrouki all the more important, given how he would perfectly fulfil this role without kicking up a fuss regarding playtime. Also, at just 24 years old, he has plenty of time to grow into a starting role.

The bright future he boasts is highlighted by journalist Dolf Ruesink, who labels him a "promising midfielder".

In the Eredivisie this season, he is proving how much of an improvement on Klich he would be, given his astounding 7.31 average rating which makes him the third-best performer at his club.

This is earned through a neat blend of creative prowess and defensive work rate, which is best exemplified in his 1.7 key passes per game alongside 3.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per 90 (via Sofascore).

In their sparkling return season in England's top flight, for comparison, Klich could only muster a 6.80 rating underpinned by 1.3 key passes and 1.1 tackles per 90. A fine return, but a far cry from the current exploits of Zerrouki.

Therefore, Victor Orta must swoop for this red-hot workhorse who not only marks an upgrade on the midfielder that came before him but is a capable alternative to their apparent top target throughout this window.