Report: Leeds want Sheffield United’s Luke Freeman

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Leeds United are interested in signing Sheffield United attacking midfielder Luke Freeman this month, according to a report from The Sun on Sunday (5/1; page 61).

January is shaping up to be a crucial month for Leeds. Marcelo Bielsa previously admitted, in comments reported by Leeds Live, that he would have planned to do no business this month had the Whites kept Jack Clarke and Eddie Nketiah.

But with both men having their loan spells cut short, Leeds look to be interested in bolstering their squad. And one of the players seemingly on their radar is Blades man Freeman.

The Sun on Sunday (5/1; page 61) reports that both clubs hope to do a deal for the 27-year-old. He has made nine Premier League appearances this term, but only started three times for Chris Wilder’s side.

It seems more than likely that the potential move would involve a loan deal. BBC Sport reported that Sheffield United broke their club record to sign Freeman in the summer, eclipsing their £4 million spend on John Egan. Admittedly, they then broke that record on a number of occasions before the end of the window.

It would be a surprise if Leeds were willing to pay that money this month given that they only brought players in on loan in the summer.

TBR View – Freeman is a surprising, but very exciting target

It is intriguing to see Freeman listed as a Leeds target. Even with Clarke’s departure, Bielsa’s men look strong in attacking midfield.

But Freeman does offer versatility. He is capable of pushing back into the middle of the park or can play up top and lead the line. And Leeds know all too well how dangerous he can be.

His performance at Loftus Road was the key difference when Leeds lost 1-0 to Queens Park Rangers last season. It was Freeman who bagged the winner in a game that provided one of the defining images of the season involving Bielsa in the tunnel after the final whistle.

He has not shown it at Bramall Lane thus far, but he is a potential game-changer. And Leeds should jump at the chance to add another to their ranks as they look to secure automatic-promotion this season.