Transfer latest: Leeds make contact with Moroccan midfielder Abdelhamid Sabiri

Leeds United have initiated contact with Sampdoria expressing an interest in signing attacking midfielder Abdelhamid Sabiri, La Gazzetta Express report.

Sabiri had a loan deal made permanent at Sampdoria this summer after impressing through his performances at the Italian club.

His national side currently faces the prospect of a World Cup quarter final against a strong Portugal side who dismantled Switzerland in the round of 16, smashing them 6-1 on Tuesday [6 December].

Morocco will be full of confidence heading into the fixture after a monumental penalty shootout victory over Spain in their own round of 16 match, with Sabiri being one of the players to score from the spot.

According to Italian media outlet La Gazzetta Express, the 26-year-old’s performances in Qatar appear to have caught the eye of Leeds director of football Victor Orta, who has approached Sampdoria expressing interest in a potential move.

Lyon and Real Betis are speculated to be Leeds’ competition in securing the signature of the Moroccan.

Not a priority

While maintaining squad depth is incredibly important considering the intensity of fixtures in the Premier League, strengthening in the attacking midfield position should not be Orta’s priority.

This Leeds squad are desperate for a new striker and left-back, and have been for some time.

With rumours surrounding midfielders Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw’s departure from the Whites having died down recently, Sabiri is not a vital signing.

The club should avoid being tempted by the 26-year-old’s €3m valuation (as per transfermarkt) and instead redirect their efforts elsewhere on positions that require more attention in January.