Leeds should rival Fulham for playmaker Luke Freeman

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Leeds need some added creativity after losing Samu Saiz to suspension.

Not many Leeds United fans would have predicted the impact summer signing Samu Saiz has had at Elland Road back in the summer, as he quickly becomes renowned as the club’s most important player.

The 27-year-old has had a hand in 14 goals during his 25 league and cup appearances this season, scoring nine himself and turning provider on a further five occasions. He has made the £3.5million transfer fee from Huesca look a bargain.

But without the Spaniard, Leeds are missing that attacking tenacity. They are lacking in that fiery determination that sees Saiz constantly hassle opponents high up the pitch – winning the ball back and orchestrating attacks in between the lines.

The former Atletico Madrid forward has been banned for spitting, and will remain sidelined for another four matches including Tuesday night’s clash against Hull City.

Despite Pablo Hernandez filling in for him, the former Swansea City ace has been better from the left flank this season and a new number 10 should be considered by manager Thomas Christiansen.

Proven Championship experience is needed after an influx of foreign talent in the summer, many of which have proved to flop including the likes of Mateusz Klich, Jay-Roy Grot and Pawel Cibicki.

The Daily Mirror (Sunday, 11:50) claimed on their transfer news blog that Fulham will look to sign QPR playmaker Luke Freeman for £4million if they lose Tom Cairney to Premier League side West Ham, but the 25-year-old would be perfect at Elland Road.

Freeman has shone for QPR this season, scoring three times against Ipswich, Barnsley and Brentford but adding 10 assists in 28 Championship games – the kind of creation and attacking precision Leeds are crying out for.

At £4million, Freeman is more than affordable with Leeds already spending £7million this month. Landing the former Bristol City ace would ease the pressure on Saiz and Hernandez, as well as helping to bring the best out of Pierre-Michel Lasogga.