If rumours are true, Leeds United could be making another Willy Gnonto-like signing this January - opinion

By Ben Evans

Leeds United have been one of the busiest Premier League sides in the January transfer window.

Defender Maximilian Wober and club-record signing Georginio Rutter have both arrived at Elland Road this month.

A report from The Athletic suggests that Leeds may not be done yet.

Jesse Marsch’s side are in a precarious position right now, just two points above the relegation zone.

After starting the season well, Leeds have really struggled, and only won twice in their last 15 league games.

French journalist Santi Aouna has suggested that Marsch’s job may not be safe right now.

However, the Leeds hierarchy have certainly backed him in the transfer market.

They may not be done yet, with Phil Hay now suggesting that Leeds are lining up a January bid for Diogo Monteiro.

Monteiro is clearly on Leeds’ radar and could be the next Wilfried Gnonto.

Gnonto has really impressed over recent weeks, and a repeat of his transfer certainly wouldn’t go amiss.

TBR View: Leeds move for Monteiro could be a repeat of Gnonto transfer

Monteiro is a 17-year-old Portuguese centre-back currently playing for Swiss side Servette FC.

Already a Portugal under-19 international, Monteiro has broken into the first team this season.

He played his first 90 minutes at senior level against Young Boys just before the World Cup, and impressed.

His manager Alain Geiger was very complimentary, and thinks he has a ‘bright future’ ahead of him.

“He’s a restarter,” Geiger said, meaning he’s a ball-playing centre-back.

“Diogo is the guy who has the technique to get back into the game, who was immediately at the level of the Super League.

“Even if he still has to harden his game in duels. That’s no surprise.

“We have been working with our youngsters for a while to get them off to the best possible start, and I’m pleased that we were able to field several youngsters from our academy against the leaders.

“This integration takes time, but we are working on it. And it is bearing fruit.

“To come back to Monteiro, I believe he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Monteiro could be Marsch’s next Swiss League import

Another player like Monteiro who impressed from a young age in Switzerland was Leeds’ Gnonto.

After having a brilliant season with FC Zurich, Leeds brought in the Italian international for £3.8m this season.

The forward has been sensational recently, having a fantastic game against Aston Villa.

Clinton Morrison was also impressed with his performance against Newcastle.

Monteiro doesn’t have the same amount of experience as Gnonto, but Leeds could be the perfect place to continue his development.

Marsch has plenty of young talent at his disposal, and hasn’t been afraid to use them.

Monteiro could end up being the next exciting player to join the Leeds set-up.