YouTuber Conor McGilligan has backed Leeds United to potentially try and sign Nicolo Zaniolo amid "exciting" transfer links.

What’s the word?

The Roma star has been tipped to leave his current club this winter and manager Jose Mourinho even confirmed that the attacking midfielder is pushing for an exit.

A number of Premier League clubs are believed to be in the race for Zaniolo with reports suggesting that West Ham United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur could make a move, while Leeds are thought to be a 'Plan B' option for the Italian.

McGilligan certainly seemed hopeful that this could happen when he spoke about the exciting transfer rumours on the One Leeds Fan Channel.

Indeed, he said: “Obviously Victor Orta is a big fan of him. Victor Orta has had links with Roma before. Roma have approached him for the [sporting director] job before, so there clearly are links there with himself and obviously Roma.

“So, yeah keep an eye on that one. Will we go for Nicolo Zaniolo? Who knows? Obviously, he can play anywhere on the frontline.

"Once again, it would not surprise me, because Leeds just seem to add, add, add, add, add in the front spaces. But I think we need to be focusing a little bit behind, to be honest with you. But yeah, exciting news there."

More attackers needed?

Since the summer, the Whites have spent big bringing in plenty of new attacking players such as  Brenden Aaronson, Georginio Rutter, Luis Sinisterra, and Wilfried Gnonto.

With that in mind, it remains unclear if there is a great need to add Zaniolo to their depths and if manager Jesse Marsch would be keen on the deal. Though at least Max Wober has arrived this winter to provide some defensive cover.

However, with the player pushing to leave Roma, this could be a rare opportunity to sign a top talent and so the club may not want to turn it down.

After all, Zaniolo has proven his quality by scoring the winner in last season's Europa Conference League final. While links to the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham suggest he's certainly highly rated within the game.

It certainly looks like one deal to keep an eye on as we head into the final week of the January transfer window.