Farke lining up quick-fire January deal for defender with Leeds pushed into action

Leeds are already looking towards January as the transfer chatter around Elland Road gets louder.

Daniel Farke has plenty of names to consider, with possible reinforcements in midfield and attack among this week’s reports, while keeping hold of his own players is part of the picture, too.

Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho is back in the conversation, with Football Insider reporting on Friday that Leeds remain interested in the Mali international, who could welcome the idea of moving to Elland Road.

Leeds have followed him across several transfer windows, meaning any January approach would build on an existing scouting interest.

His deal runs until 2027, but Maccabi can add another year.

The Israeli side are still reluctant to sell, according to the same report, so persuading the player would only be one part of the job.

Spanish reports have also put Sevilla winger Miguel Sierra in the frame, with Orgullo Biri claiming Leeds are weighing up his £17 million release clause

The 22-year-old is under contract until 2029, so Sevilla have protection beyond the winter window, but there is another factor to consider before any club commits serious money.

Sierra is recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, so any move would therefore need to account for when he could actually help Farke, as well as what he might offer over the longer term.

Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has given Leeds reason to breathe easier amid links with Man United, with the striker expected to sign a new contract.

Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

For supporters, keeping a rival away from their centre forward would be a satisfying result before the window even opens, but there is reason to believe Leeds will be active in the winter.

Leeds want early January Zaidu Sanusi deal amid fears of summer scramble

REUTERS/Heiko Becker

Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi is also in Leeds’ sights, and the message from the latest report is that they cannot afford to hang about.

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, the Whites are preparing to act quickly once the winter window opens, given his Porto contract expires next summer, and Leeds fear that waiting until he is available for nothing would bring more clubs into the equation.

At 29, Sanusi would offer Champions League and Europa League experience, and he’s also able to operate as a left back or wing back, giving Farke another option if he wants to alter his shape.

The bigger question now is whether Porto can be persuaded to let him go.

Francesco Farioli has already made his feelings clear.

Sport Witness, relaying his latest press conference, reports that the Porto boss wants to keep Sanusi and has discussed his future with him.

Porto are also reportedly exploring a new contract, which could change the whole conversation if the defender puts pen to paper.