Leeds United headed into the January transfer window with a clearer plan, placing increased emphasis on strengthening their attacking options as they look to reinforce their Premier League survival ambitions.
The Whites have already made a move to improve their forward line, securing Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton after he rejected a similar switch last summer.
That push for further attacking additions has been sharpened by recent tactical adjustments. A move to a 5-3-2 system has heightened the need for a reliable goalscorer, while limited depth in advanced areas has further underlined the urgency to add more attacking quality.
However, Leeds have also been looking at several attacking midfielders, and one of them is now attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League.
Como have received a Premier League bid for Leeds United target Martin Baturina
Martin Baturina was struggling for regular minutes under Cesc Fabregas at Como earlier in the season. But that has changed in recent weeks.
The young attacking midfielder has scored once and registered two assists in the last two league games, and has shown why Leeds are amongst the clubs that are keeping tabs on him.
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 13 | 3 | 2 | 402 |
| Italy Cup | 2 | 0 | 1 | 92 |
| Total (All Competitions) | 15 | 3 | 3 | 494 |
However, Premier League interest in him is getting more intense, and it has been claimed that Como have already received an offer from England for the Croatian.
According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, the Italian club have turned down an offer from an unnamed Premier League club for Baturina.
It has been claimed that the offer was worth around £26m, but Como are not interested in listening to bids for the attacking midfielder.
Baturina is not going to be sold in the winter window, and Como are prepared to dig their heels in to keep him.
Leeds are unlikely to be the unnamed Premier League club
The Whites are unlikely to sign one more attacking midfielder or winger after securing a loan deal for Facundo Buonanotte earlier this month.
Leeds United are now concentrating on bringing in a striker before the transfer window closes, though completing such a deal is unlikely to be straightforward.
The club have made little effort to downplay their interest in Wolves forward Jørgen Strand Larsen, with sources suggesting Leeds believe a move is achievable. However, any pursuit of the Norwegian is expected to depend on Leeds’ ability to offload Joel Piroe during the winter window.
The Dutch striker has already rejected Championship interest, while Leeds have also knocked back an approach from Celtic.
Baturina is a player Leeds admire, but at this stage of the window, they have other far bigger priorities.
