Leeds United are eyeing the January market to add some attacking talent to their squad and bolster their options for the second half of the season. The Whites have looked short in the final third and need some reinforcements to create and score more.
While the 2-1 win over West Ham at home on Friday night has relieved some of the pressure that was growing on Daniel Farke, the Leeds boss is acutely aware of the limitations of his squad.
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The German head coach wanted a couple more attackers in the summer transfer window. However, Leeds failed to deliver the targets and later claimed that they maxed out their PSR spending for the season.
Leeds have plans to sign an attacking midfielder and winger in the winter window, and they are tracking a few players who could be deemed financially viable targets for the club in January.
Leeds United keep tabs on Manchester United wonderkid
Shea Lacey is seen as one of the brightest young talents in the Manchester United academy, and manager Ruben Amorim is a big fan of the teenager.
The 18-year-old winger is seen as a future first-team player at Old Trafford. However, Manchester United are considering loaning him out in January.
Leeds are among the Premier League clubs that are keeping tabs on him, and one of their senior scouts was present at Oakwell, where Manchester United lost 5-2 to Barnsley in the EFL Trophy last week.
Lacey is the player the Leeds scout was said to be watching as the Whites consider making an offer to sign the 18-year-old winger on loan in the winter window.
The teenager is likely to be available in January as Manchester United want to test him in senior football as the next step in his development.
Leeds are one of the several Premier League and Championship clubs that are watching the midfielder with intent, ahead of the Janaury transfer window.
Leeds should look for other options
Lacey is a very talented young player who has a high ceiling. However, he is yet to be tested in senior football and will take time to settle at a new club if he leaves Manchester United on loan in January.
Leeds need readymade players who can come in and make an instant impact if they invest in the winter window. Lacey cannot be expected to do that.
Manchester United are unlikely to agree to let him join Leeds on loan in the winter window, and not because of the hated rivalry that exists between the two clubs.
Leeds are a physical side who are likely to be playing for survival in the Premier League for the rest of the season. Manchester United would want Lacey to be in a little less pressure on his first loan.
They are likely to want to loan him to a club in the Championship who are more attack-minded, which will allow the youngster to show his talent and skill.
The Whites have different targets this season, and even Daniel Farke has been shielding his young players, such as Harry Gray, from playing in the first team.
Lacey does not seem to be an appropriate target for what they need from a January arrival.
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