Leeds United missed out on adding a creative midfielder over the summer, even though a host of players were linked.
The likes of Rodrigo De Paul and Todd Cantrell were suggested for a central creative role, with Marcelo Bielsa no doubt aware that Pablo Hernandez isn’t getting any younger.
Tyler Roberts and Rodrigo have both featured in that role, but having missed out on Michael Cuisance, it would be no surprise to see Leeds move for a new playmaker in January.
An interesting name has now emerged, as Napoli Piu carry quotes from Ciro Venerato in which he claims that Leeds have made a bid for Napoli playmaker Eljif Elmas.
Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach and RB Leipzig have also made offers, totalling up to €25million (£22.5milion).
Napoli stood firm, but Leeds could yet come back for Elmas, who is a creative and dangerous playmaker – and he already knows one Leeds star very well.
Elmas turns out for North Macedonia on the international stage, meaning he plays alongside Leeds ace Ezgjan Alioski for his country.
If Leeds are to beat those huge clubs for Elmas, they will need to use every possible advantage, and Alioski presents them with one.
Reuniting with Alioski could be appealing to Elmas given their prior history together, and knowing a familiar face has to be a bonus for Leeds’ hopes if they do make a new move.
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