Leeds United face a budding transfer battle for an exciting wide man...

That's according to French publication L'Equipe, who claimed that the Whites were considering a move for on-loan Lyon trickster Tete, who plans to terminate his current deal in favour of a move to England.

Facing opposition from other Premier League clubs, the Yorkshire outfit are far from in the pole position.

Negotiations are ongoing between all clubs, but this could mark a huge coup at a cut price in comparison to the touted deal to sign Nicolo Zaniolo. The Italian is reportedly commanding a €30m (£26m) fee, whilst other reports have suggested Shakhtar Donetsk will demand a £21m fee for a permanent move. A loan could be prioritised.

Forget Zaniolo

Not only would the deal for Tete make better fiscal sense, but his talents would arguably be more effective for the Yorkshire outfit who could always benefit from added depth out wide.

The 22-year-old already boasts 11 goal contributions this season for his current side, looking to build upon the 19 he recorded across his half-a season in Ukraine and subsequent move to France.

He has proven himself to be a consistently impressive force going forward, with his trickery and pace often converted into tangible goals and assists.

Meanwhile, Zaniolo has only really had one outstanding season, where he scored eight and assisted nine across the 2021/22 campaign.

Other than that he has flattered to deceive ever since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, and is yet to really kickstart his career to anywhere near the valuation AS Roma are demanding for him.

This is likely the main factor surrounding a potential preference for Tete, who was lauded in the summer by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig for being "on fire".

His exploits and unpredictability have also led the CEO of his parent club Shakhtar Donetsk, Sergei Palkin, to dub him a "hurricane" before explaining exactly why: "This means that he brings confusion into the opposition defence, being extremely difficult to stop. He has some serious technique, shooting and passing."

Perhaps he could convert this blistering form and incredible technical ability into some fine displays in England, helping to propel Leeds' survival bid whilst saving them millions.

Spending a club record fee already this January, they cannot afford to spend another hefty sum on an unproven commodity in Zaniolo.