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Dje Davilla: Will he be another Ao Tanaka for Leeds United?

Leeds United have kept their powder dry so far in the winter transfer window despite the fans wanting them to bring in new players. Certain areas of their squad need strengthening but signing a midfielder would not be the first thing in anyone’s mind. Ilia Gruev’s return from injury means Leeds have four quality midfielders to choose from plus Josuha Guilavogui. However, Leeds have reportedly made an offer for Leiria star Dje Davilla, a defensive midfielder by trade. The Whites could be trying to replicate their success when they signed Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorft last summer. It is unclear whether they will succeed in signing the 21-year-old due to work permit issues. However, there is a clear intent in trying to attract a young talented midfielder to Elland Road for a relatively small fee.

The impending departure of Joe Gelhardt to Hull City on loan is set to be the only significant transfer business at Elland Road so far in the ongoing winter window.

Leeds fans have been clamouring for new players. They feel that Leeds could use one more striker and a goalkeeper to replace the inconsistent Illan Meslier between the sticks.

There has been more talk of departures with Blackburn Rovers showing an interest in Patrick Bamford and Wilfried Gnonto is also attracting suitors from Saudi Arabia this month.

However, there are claims Leeds have made a move to strengthen their squad and according to reports the Whites have tabled an offer to sign Leiria’s 21-year-old defensive midfielder Dje Davilla.

The Ivorian has been impressive in the second tier of Portuguese football this season and Leeds are said to have offered a deal worth €4m to take him to Elland Road.

Dje Davilla is an exciting young midfielder who could improve Leeds in the long run

The 21-year-old has turned the heads of the Leeds scouts this season with his performances in the second tier of Portuguese football and the Whites are keen on him.

Dje Davilla has started 13 league games this season and is considered one of the brightest young talents plying their trade in the second tier of Portuguese football.

Several clubs have been keeping tabs on him but Leeds have apparently made a concrete move by putting in a bid with Leiria to sign him in the winter transfer window.

Tanaka’s success this season has encouraged Leeds to try and bring in more left-field signings without breaking the bank for a particular player.

The bid matches the Portuguese club’s asking price but a move in the winter window is likely to be more complicated than previously anticipated.

Born in Ivory Coast, the midfielder joined Al-Hilal in 2021 before moving to Portugal in 2022. As things stand, the 21-year-old still doesn’t meet the requirements for a work permit in the UK.

Leeds have the option of appealing if they end up agreeing on a deal with Leiria but it is unclear whether the Whites are interested in fighting the system for him in the winter window.

Do Leeds need one more midfielder?

Leeds are well-stocked in the middle of the park. Ampadu, Tanaka and Rothwell were competing for two spots in the team with Guilavogui being another option in the squad.

However, the return of Ilia Gruev from injury has further increased competition for places in the team. Leeds have five midfielders to choose from at the moment.

Signing another midfielder would be seen as a luxury and a waste of funds given Leeds still look short in attack at this stage of the season.

However, if Davilla is a long-term target for Leed and is available this month, it would make sense for the Whites to try and sign him in the winter window.

Leeds are unlikely to offer Guilavogui a contract at the end of the season and Rothwell is scheduled to return to Bournemouth in the summer.

The Whites would be in the market for midfield reinforcements in the summer regardless of which division they are in and signing Davilla now would make some sense from that point of view.

However, Leeds fans would prefer the club to sign a striker and a goalkeeper over another midfielder in the January transfer window.

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