Leeds United continue to be busy in the January transfer market as they aim to reinforce their squad before the deadline in just a week.
Working within tight financial limits, the Whites have already boosted their attacking options by securing Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton, after he rejected an identical move last summer.
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Leeds are also exploring potential striker signings, and the club are working on a deal to sign Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen for a club-record fee in the winter window.
The Whites are alive to the possibility of adding defenders to their squad before the window closes, and the club may get the chance to sign a centre-back from Chelsea.
Leeds United could still sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi
Axel Disasi has not featured for Chelsea this season in senior football and has made just three appearances for their Under-21s.
The Blues are keen to loan him out in the winter transfer window, and several Premier League clubs are interested in getting their hands on him.
Leeds are among the handful of clubs who are considering a move for Disasi, but Crystal Palace are the ones who have made a concrete move to sign him.
The Eagles want to take him to Selhurst Park on loan. However, according to Football Insider, Chelsea are in two minds about letting him join Palace.
The Blues are unsure whether he will get enough regular first-team minutes and are open to offers from other clubs in the next week.
It has been claimed that the door is open for Leeds to approach Chelsea and strike a late deal to sign Disasi before the transfer deadline next week.
Leeds are worried about the future of Sebastiaan Bornauw and are also looking to bring in one more left-back due to Gabriel Gudmundsson’s injury.
Daniel Farke does not want to take any risks with his defensive options
Bornauw is the only recognised centre-back in his squad beyond the three who regularly start games in the Premier League for Leeds.
James Justin can play in a back three, but Gudmundsson’s injury means he will play as the left wing-back in the starting eleven in the Swede’s absence.
Leeds feel a little short in the backline despite their need for a striker. Another injury could prove catastrophic, and that’s why Farke wants to sign a centre-back.
Disasi would be a low-cost, low-risk acquisition if they could sign him on loan from Chelsea for the rest of the season.
Leeds United’s top five earners by total gross annual salary (GBP)
Player Weekly Wage (£) Base Salary (£/yr) Bonuses (£/yr) Total Gross (£/yr)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 100,000 5,200,000 1,300,000 6,500,000
Sean Longstaff 80,000 4,160,000 1,040,000 5,200,000
Dan James 75,000 3,900,000 975,000 4,875,000
Noah Okafor 72,500 3,770,000 942,500 4,712,500
Lucas Perri 50,000 2,600,000 650,000 3,250,000
However, the Blues may have to agree to subsidise his wages as his current salary will make him one of the top earners at Leeds.
He may not start games, but he will be a good option to have in the squad as Leeds look to push further away from the relegation zone.