Leeds United are reportedly keeping tabs on two Chelsea stars as they aim to avoid Premier League relegation, with Enzo Maresca keen to sell the pair.
Last season’s Championship champions were widely fancied to go straight back down but a recent upturn in form has steered them away from the relegation zone.
A five game unbeaten run that began with the 3-1 win over Chelsea and 3-3 draw with Liverpool, has seen Leeds climb up to 16th in the table.
And they will move nine points clear of the drop zone at the halfway point of the season if they win at Anfield on New Year’s Day.
With teams around then like West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth plotting big moves in the January transfer window, Daniel Farke is very keen to strengthen his squad.
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Primarily, Leeds are targeting a creative No.10 after missing out on Fulham’s Harry Wilson last summer and would also like to add a mobile centre-forward and a centre-back.
To that end, the Daily Mail report that Axel Disasi is among the defenders they are considering, with the Chelsea star very much available after being banished to the ‘bomb-squad’.
The France international spent the second-half of last season on loan at Aston Villa and has not played since failing to secure a transfer away last summer.
Despite his lack of game time, the 27-year-old has kept himself fit and has been attracting much interest from overseas clubs like Roma.
Issues regarding foreign loan transfers means a move abroad is unlikely, but it remains to be seen whether Disasi would want to go to Elland Road having previously turned down other Premier League clubs.
Additionally, the other member of Chelsea’s ‘bomb-squad’, Raheem Sterling, is also of interest to Leeds and would fit the bill for a versatile, mobile and experienced forward.
The four-time Premier League champion’s career has been in a downward spiral since leaving Manchester City for Stamford Bridge in 2022, including a disastrous loan spell at Arsenal last season, but he remains well regarded.
The west-Yorkshire club were linked with the England international before but it is said progress on a transfer has not moved and the 31-year-old is reluctant to leave London where his family are settled.
It is said that finances are tight for Leeds – a budget of around £25million if no sales are made – which could limit them to loan deals with options or obligations to but more likely.
Moreover, it is said they want players who can come straight into team and deliver. Sterling and Disasi certainly have enough experience and quality but will lack match sharpness after so many months of not playing.
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