Leeds United remain linked to an exciting young contract rebel, although face impending danger due to the emergence of a powerhouse rival…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, which claims that Barcelona have entered the picture for Nicolas Raskin.

With the young Belgian having reached an impasse in his contract talks, he now seems set to depart given he is entering into the final six months of his current deal.

The Whites are mentioned in the report as a viable option alongside other European clubs, but it is actually claimed that Club Brugge KV are the best-placed team to take him.

Imagine him & Adams

With the recent success of their summer signings, Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch just be moving for Raskin to partner with the likes of Tyler Adams rather than replace him.

Both defensive monsters and under the age of 24, they could hold down the engine room at Elland Road for the next decade.

The American has earned more widespread praise of late for his displays at the World Cup, as his midfield exploits helped the United States get out of the group before their loss to the Netherlands.

Earning a 7.10 average rating, he would record 80 touches per game alongside a 90% pass accuracy.

He would underpin this consistent influence with 1.0 interceptions, 2.8 tackles and 1.3 clearances per game too, via Sofascore.

To pair this with the success of the 21-year-old in the Belgian league, where he too has been handed an impressive 7.01 average rating despite his youth, could be instrumental in their survival bid.

Having shipped 26 goals in just 14 games this season, it is clear that defensive frailties could be their undoing as the Yorkshire outfit hope to avoid another relegation scrap.

As such, adding the 3.3 tackles per game to their midfield alongside 1.1 key passes could revolutionise them at both ends of the field. He boasts characteristics akin to a “pitbull”, as dubbed by Belgian journalist Bob Faesen, as he continued with his praise:

“He is still only 19, but he has really shone.

"He is a box-to-box midfielder. He can play in every position in the middle of the park… He can run a lot, is powerful and has a good shot. He has been one of the big surprises in Belgium football this season and will be a key player for Liege…”

What will please Marsch too is that he boasts insane character, with his head coach Ronny Delia having labelled him a “leader” earlier in the year.

Perhaps this addition could be instrumental in turning around their form once and for all, before being a catalyst for long-term success at the club.