Leeds United have enjoyed a fine start to the transfer window despite their less-than-stellar form since the World Cup ended. As such, they have found themselves slipping to within just one point of rock bottom.

That could therefore explain Victor Orta's urgency with the deals to add Max Wober and Georginio Rutter, who have bolstered two key areas in quick succession.

However, as rumours have continued to swirl since the window opened, the Whites clearly still want another midfielder.

Azzedine Ounahi seemed like the top target given the numerous sources that quote their interest, but it was just last week that 90min reported their interest in Scott McTominay despite the rebuttal from Manchester United.

They should not remain downhearted about this apparent rejection, as it could be seen as a tactic to increase whatever fee they might demand for the £60k-per-week stopper.

The Scottish international often bears the brunt of some unwarranted criticisms despite his flaws, as during his time at Old Trafford he has been a dependable stalwart in the engine room for various managers.

As such, there is cause to believe that this move could see some of the pressure lifted as he joins an environment unburdened by the expectation of playing for one of the top clubs in the world.

Having seen his play time dwindle in the Premier League since the arrival of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, outlined in his five league starts, perhaps in his short time alongside him McTominay will have learnt a few things from the Brazilian that could help him elevate his game at Elland Road.

There were flashes during the 2020/21 season that suggest he could operate in a similar role and at a level necessary to put the two in the same bracket, as he maintained a 7.08 average rating across the campaign. That is not far from the 7.31 his teammate is averaging, but it is unlikely many can live up to the levels he sets.

The 30-year-old is maintaining 3.1 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, which he has paired with three assists and two goals thus far (via Sofascore).

That is not wholly dissimilar from that aforementioned McTominay season, where he made 1.6 tackles and 1.3 clearances per game whilst recording five goal contributions.

Obviously a much lower-level version of the five times Champions League winner, he retained a level close enough to be worthy of the comparison.

That year would see him praised doubly by his manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, as he first lauded him after signing a new contract: "He's such a humble, hard-working boy with the Manchester United DNA, and he's a leader on the pitch."

He would follow that up again mid-way through the following season, noting: "He's a physical monster. He does all his work every day. Never shirks anything + he gets his rewards."

Perhaps a move to Leeds could free him up to fulfil this potential and get those rewards on a more regular basis. Both player and club could benefit if they could only work out an agreement. Casemiro's level might be a loft ambition to reach, but there is no reason to believe that he can't.