Could reports hint Aston Villa may hand Leeds January transfer boost?

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Aston Villa are reportedly making progress on a signing, and that may be good news for Leeds United.

While Marcelo Bielsa has hinted that Leeds will be quiet during the January transfer window, it appears that a new goalkeeper is likely to be on his shopping list.

And the player he is said to want is Karl Darlow. The Sun reported earlier this month that Leeds were one of the teams keen on signing the Newcastle stopper – but faced competition from Aston Villa.

With the Villans’ struggles in goal this term, Darlow would have been forgiven for preferring a move to Villa Park over Elland Road. Bailey Peacock-Farrell is performing well right now and responded to his recent blip by saving a last-minute penalty in the 1-0 win over Reading.

However, perhaps Villa may soon be out of the running for his signature judging by the latest reports concerning Dean Smith’s side.

Birmingham Live has reported that Villa are making progress on a deal to sign Lovre Kalinic and a move could be completed soon after the January window opens.

That would seemingly leave the path clear for Leeds to make their move for Darlow. The 28-year-old would then face a choice of whether he wants to stay at St James’ Park and potentially remain as Martin Dubravka’s understudy or take a chance that his prospects are better at Leeds.

He would have plenty of supporters backing him for the number one spot at Leeds, despite Peacock-Farrell’s form.

And with Villa potentially out of the running, Leeds may well avoid a bidding war that may have increased his asking price past the £4 million that The Sun suggests he is rated at.

Villa will be hoping that they can end Leeds’ winning run and bring them back towards the chasing pack when they meet on Sunday, but perhaps their move for Kalinic could actually do their promotion rivals a favour heading into January.