Chelsea star Billy Gilmour has got to pick Leeds over Championship rivals

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Leeds United are reportedly looking to raid Chelsea for the third time in the past two seasons by bringing midfield talent Billy Gilmour to Elland Road on loan – and surely the Whites need him more than Nottingham Forest.

London Football News has claimed in a report that Gilmour, 18, is a target for both Leeds and Forest – despite Marcelo Bielsa’s side already struggling to juggle six loanees at Elland Road. The EFL permits only five loan players can be in an 18-man squad.

Jack Clarke (Tottenham), Illan Meslier (Lorient), Ben White (Brighton), Helder Costa (Wolves), Jack Harrison (Manchester City) and Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) all remain on loan at the club. Clarke was ostracised at the start of the campaign.

An injury to Pablo Hernandez has seen Clarke replace Meslier on the bench. But if Leeds do sign Gilmour, they would have to cancel one or two other loans. Clarke is expected to return to Tottenham, while Nketiah is said to be unhappy over game time.

Leeds have signed Jamal Blackman and Lewis Baker on loan from Chelsea in the past 18 months, but neither worked out for the Whites. Blackman suffered a broken leg, while Baker could not force his way into the side on a regular basis.

Saying all that, though, Leeds need Gilmour. The Scot made his Chelsea debut earlier this season and one thing was apparent. His creativity from the middle of the park, for a team in possession, is already something that Leeds do not have.

Matuesz Klich is looking for a permanent partner. Tyler Roberts is better equipped as a striker, while Adam Forshaw is suffering a lot of injuries. Jamie Shackleton is a strong option, but he needs competition.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have huge numbers in midfield. Ben Watson, Alfa Semedo, Samba Sow, Ryan Yates, Claudio Yacob, John Bostock, Joao Carvalho and Tiago Silva are all options. Midfield is the last place Forest need to strengthen.

So, Leeds need to sign Gilmour, and in doing so they probably need to cancel the contract of Jack Clarke – who is already leaning towards a January return to parent club Tottenham Hotspur.