da apostaganha： Speculation is rife heading into the turn of the year at Elland Road, with a host of players linked with joining the Whites. Owner Massimo Cellino recently called off a club sale to a consortium to Leeds fans, who reportedly wanted to install David Moyes at the helm.
da luck： Suggestions of a rather bizarre move for Peter Crouch have been quashed, though Evans is reportedly trying to strengthen a frontline already boasting the likes of Chris Wood and Mirco Antenucci with some well thought out loaned moves.
With academy graduates linked with a move away, the turn of the year could be a big point in the season for Leeds. A promotion push is not out of the realms of possibility, though they are nine points outside the playoff spots as things stand.
With an awful lot still to play for, in a ridiculously competitive division, perhaps some wheeling and dealing when the transfer market is once again open for business can help Evans secure a place in the top six.
As you’d expect at such an infamous outfit, there is a lot of talk surrounding transfer dealing this winter. Both incoming and out.
Here are FIVE Leeds January transfer rumours that may come true…
LEWIS COOK
First it was Eric Cantona, then it was Alan Smith. Could Lewis Cook be the next player to cross the Pennines and join Manchester United?
The England Under-19 starlet has followed on from his good form last year, and established himself as one of the most crucial players in the Whites squad. The current incumbent of the Championship Apprentice of the Year award, the 18-year-old has already played 50 league games for the Yorkshire giants.
Despite having only recently signed a new deal at the club, it’s hard to imagine the might of Manchester United not being able to prize the youngster away. However, a move clearly for the future, perhaps the Elland Road club can keep a hold of him on a loan deal should he depart this January.
KYLE LAFFERTY
Despite his crucial role in taking Northern Ireland to Euro 2016 next summer, Kyle Lafferty can’t buy a place in the Norwich squad for love nor money. The former Palermo man has played just once this season, and will want to be as sharp as possible for the most important tournament of his professional career.
Linked with a loan move, the 28-year-old could be the man to provide the spark upfront to get Evans’ side firing. He has a wealth of experience, having played in Italy, Switzerland and Turkey during his journeyman career.
It is a realistic possibility he will end up at Elland Road, and would surely be an ideal move for all parties involved.
LIAM BRIDCUTT
Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt has reportedly been a target since the start of the international break, as Leeds desperately try to do a deal with the midfielder ahead of the loan window deadline.
Nothing has come to fruition to date, though January could represent another chance to land the former Brighton man. A classy defensive midfielder, he is experienced at Championship level and surely eager to earn his place back into the Scotland side.
It’s not worked out for him in the North East, though the 26-year-old would be a class addition.
ANDERS LINDEGAARD
West Brom custodian Anders Lindegaard has been linked with a switch to Yorkshire. The Danish shot stopper may once have played for arch rivals Manchester United, but his limited role at Old Trafford is unlikely to cause too much of a problem should he make the move.
The 31-year-old has experience at a top club, as well as international football. Ross Turnbull has suffered injury problems, and the Baggies ace finds himself behind Boaz Myhill in the pecking order at the Hawthorns, with Ben Foster nearing a return.
Current option between the sticks, Marco Silvestri, could use both cover and competition making this potential deal a wise move all round when January comes.
LEWIS GRABBAN
Norwich forward Lewis Grabban is thought to be a target for Leeds. The former Bournemouth ace has played just 98 minutes of Premier League football this term, and looked set to leave Carrow Road this summer.
Like the aforementioned Lafferty, the 27-year-old is not getting much of a look in with the Canaries and could benefit with a temporary switch. Having plied his trade with the likes of Bournemouth, Motherwell and Brentford and has worked under Evans’ tutelage at Rotherham.
Was excellent for the Cherries, and could help fire Leeds up the league.