Leeds United could use the January transfer window to strengthen their squad ahead of the second half of the season as they aim for automatic promotion.
White is currently on top Priority table, one point ahead of Sheffield United and Burnley, but there is still plenty of football to be played before the end of the 2024/25 season.
Daniel Farke knows his side must remain consistent and avoid too many slip-ups after his side were held to a 3-3 draw – after leading 3-1 – away at Hull City this weekend.
The West Yorkshire side are reportedly in the market to bolster their options on the pitch this month, as they have been linked with players in several positions.
Leeds did is reportedly considering an offer sign Middlesbrough centre-forward Emmanuel Latte Lath to compete with Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph at the top of the pitch, while they also in conversations to secure a job for Nottingham Forest centre-back Andrew Omobamidele.
However, the Whites are not only looking for defenders and strikers, as they also have a Championship central midfielder on their radar.
Leeds are eyeing a Championship star
He recently reported that LeedsUnitedNews that Leeds are eyeing a potential move to sign Coventry City central midfielder Ben Sheaf in the January transfer window.
Focus transfer
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big name failures. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across the Football FanCast.
The outlet claimed that the Sky Blues are aware of the financial constraints in the division and will have to consider any significant offers for their stars to accommodate them, meaning they could be open to offers this month.
It was added that the Whites are interested in a deal for Sheaf and are considering whether or not to submit a formal offer in an attempt to test Coventry’s resolve ahead of the early February deadline as they look to bolster their options in the middle of the park.
LeedsUnitedNews has also revealed that several, unnamed, Premier League sides are tracking the English dynamo, suggesting there could be competition from the top flight which could make things difficult to get over the line.
The report claims Coventry could consider offers of around £8m for the former Arsenal academy graduate, whose current deal with Frank Lampard’s side expires in the summer of 2026.
If Leeds do decide to bid for the midfielder and manage to seal an £8m deal with the Sky Blues, Sheaf could come as a major upgrade on current Whites midfielder Joe Rothwell, who is only on loan from Bournemouth. for the season.
Joe Rothwell’s form this season
The England ace joined on a season-long loan from the Cherries during the summer transfer window and initially came in as a back-up option, with Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka and Ilio Grueva ahead of him in the front row.
However, knee injuries to Ampadu, who is now fit, and Gruev have opened the door for him to play regular Championship football for the West Yorkshire side this season.
Rothwell came in as an experienced option, having helped Southampton achieve promotion via the play-offs in the 2023/24 campaign, and has generally been a solid operator for Farke.
As you can see in the table below, the 29-year-old star has been required as a starter in 17 of his 25 appearances for the club so far this term, and has been very reliable with the ball at his feet.
|
24/25 championship |
Joe Rothwell |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
25 |
|
It starts |
17 |
|
Adding accuracy |
92% |
|
Assists |
2 |
|
Duel success rate |
55% |
The Bournemouth loanee has also held his own in physical duels with opposition players, as shown by his duel success rate, and these stats suggest he has been a solid performer for the Whites overall.
However, that doesn’t mean Leeds can’t find an upgrade on him and bringing in Sheaf now would be a long-term solution for the position, with Rothwell set to return to the Premier League at the end of the season.
Why Leeds should sign Ben Sheaf
Firstly, for the reasons just stated, the Coventry dynamo would come in to ensure long-term value on the pitch with a permanent transfer rather than a short-term deal.
He is three years younger than Rothwell and could be at the peak of his powers for many years to come, making him a fantastic short to medium term signing for the club.
The £8 million star, who has been described as “monster ball-winner” analyst Raj Choran, has been in good form in the Championship so far this season, making 3.0 tackles and interceptions combined per game and assisting on two goals in 19 appearances.
Sheaf has also attracted attention with his outstanding performances in the middle of the park for the Sky Blues in the 2023/24 campaign. under Mark Robins, before his sacking at the end of last year, and could be a big upgrade on Rothwell.
|
Priority |
Ben Sheaf (23/24) |
Joe Rothwell (24/25) |
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
31 |
25 |
|
Key passes per match |
1.1 |
1.4 |
|
Completed dribbles per game |
1.1 |
0.2 |
|
Turnovers + interceptions per game |
4.8 |
1.3 |
|
Ball recovery per game |
7.1 |
2.6 |
|
Duel success rate |
55% |
55% |
|
Statistics via Sofascore |
||
As you can see in the table above, the Coventry sensation has the potential to offer the Leeds team significantly more than Rothwell in the central midfield position, due to his defensive and attacking qualities.
Both create chances for their teammates at a similar rate, but Sheaf makes more tackles, interceptions and rebounds each game to help his side defensively, while also being a threat in transition with his dribbling skills.
These stats suggest Farke could boost his Whites squad by signing the £8m star to step in and take Rothwell’s place, ahead of his return to Bournemouth in the summer, to be a defensive monster in midfield for the second half of this season and beyond.
