Leeds United ‘in talks’ over £5m man as ‘admiration’ for Premier League defender outlined

The January transfer market is getting underway, and Leeds United is making moves. The Whites have not yet signed anyone, but they have decided to send Djed Spence back to Tottenham, while Luke Ayling has joined Middlesbrough on loan.

As a result, they are anticipated to be active in the coming weeks as they attempt to make the required signings to push them over the top in the promotion race. Here are some of the news stories from Elland Road this evening.

According to rumors, Plymouth Argyle are interested in signing Leeds United teenager Darko Gyabi this month. Gyabi has struggled for playing time at Elland Road this season after failing to persuade Daniel Farke that he is worthy of a place in his plans.

According to Football Insider, he may be given the opportunity to play some football in the second half of the season, with Plymouth claimed to have ‘started conversations’. Plymouth have lost both Finn Azaz and Luke Cundle this month, so there may be opportunities for Gyabi to get the playing experience he urgently requires at this stage of his career.

The 19-year-old joined the Whites from Manchester City in 2022 for a sum of £5 million and has made only two league appearances for the club.

According to Talksport’s Alex Crook, Leeds United are fans of Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham. Crook thinks the Whites are interested in the Wales international, and he also lists David Brooks, who has previously been linked with a move to Elland Road this week, as a possible option for the Whites this month.

Mepham has battled for game time under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, making just two Premier League starts this season. As a result, if an approach is made, he could be available this month.

Leeds now have Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper, and Charlie Cresswell in their ranks at centre-back, but with Struijk ill and Cresswell linked elsewhere, an approach for Mepham cannot be ruled out.