Leeds United have been drawn into a lengthy transfer saga with regard to Azzedine Ounahi, as the Moroccan has been a reported target of Victor Orta's for some time now.

The 22-year-old had starred for his national team at the World Cup, thus drawing widespread praise and interest, and yet despite having been reported in the driving seat on numerous occasions they continue to stumble in finalising it.

Jesse Marsch cannot seem to get that midfielder over the line to complete his January dealings, and another saga seems to be sparking up that could set them up for more disappointment.

Having enquired to AS Roma last week about the availability of wantaway attacker Nicolo Zaniolo, they are said to be battling with West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur to now secure a deal for the 23-year-old who is valued at around €40m (£35m).

The addition of the maverick Italian would be a welcome one at Elland Road, especially pairing him with the red-hot form of Rodrigo, who has shouldered plenty of the offensive burden this campaign for the Whites.

The Spaniard already boasts ten goals in the Premier League this season, having finally hit a rich vein of goalscoring form after being questioned upon first joining the club.

To combine this with the Zaniolo of last season, who scored eight and assisted nine times across all competitions, could be the catalyst for sparking a sensational surge up the table.

However, what is most exciting about their potential link-up is the tactical flexibility they would bring given their similar roles.

Should Marsch deploy the Roma midfielder just behind his 31-year-old marksman, the two could interchange in an effort to bamboozle centre-backs and keep opposition defences alert.

Rodrigo's ability to do this is highlighted in the fact that, when compared to other forwards across Europe, he ranks in the top 10% for passes attempted. Meanwhile, Zaniolo ranks in the top 4% for total shots when compared with attacking midfielders.

Their stats are as interchangeable as their roles could be. His ability to provide for the finisher must not be understated, as he truly is the "lethal playmaker" that journalist Zach Lowy dubbed him.

Whilst it may be a very costly move, given their business so far, attaining a player of such quality would be a sensational coup for the club.