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Oliver Jones

Leeds United transfer rumours as Whites could face Champions League competition for Championship star

Here is the Leeds United transfer gossip and rumours on Friday, October 14.

Leeds United could face Champions League competition for Championship star

Leeds United could be facing serious Champions League competition if they decide to go after Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz in the January transfer window.

The Chilean forward already has seven goals in his 14 appearances so far this season and impressed teams across Europe with his display of goalscoring talent last year when he bagged 22 goals in the Championship alone.

However, amongst the Premier League teams also expected to go for the 23-year-old in the winter like Everton, the Whites are expecting large names in European to attempt and get ahead in the race for Brereton Diaz's signature.

READ MORE: Leeds United set for FIFA windfall with former Whites duo included in World Cup cash payments

According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, they link La Liga clubs Almeria and Valencia alongside Champions League sides Sevilla and AC Milan as potential destinations for the Chilean if he wants to move out of England.

The main question on everyone's lips will be, 'Do Leeds need another striker'? After all, they just signed 18-year-old Wilfried Gnonto who will already have it tough trying to break into the first-team without a proven goalscorer like Brereton Diaz ahead of him.

What could entice Jesse Marsch's side, however, is the Chilean's contract situation which sees his current deal expire at the end of the season meaning his price will likely be as low as it ever will be if he doesn't sign a new contract with Blackburn.

Estadio Deportivo claim if Brereton Diaz was to leave the Rovers, he'd become 'one of the most coveted free agents in the next transfer market', meaning Leeds could find themselves in a big bidding war come January if they decide to chase him.

Rangers legend Ally McCoist gives 'not ready' verdict on Whites target

After their brutal 7-1 defeat against Liverpool at Ibrox on Wednesday night, Rangers legend Ally McCoist has said that Leeds United transfer target Leon King 'is not ready' for Premier League football.

The 18-year-old was subbed on at halftime due to an injury to Connor Goldson and despite the score being level at one-a-piece at halftime, Rangers shipped six goals in the second half while King was on the pitch.

Speaking on talkSPORT the morning after the match, McCoist was hopeful for the youngster but demanded realism after respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported Leeds had sent people to watch Rangers games to scout King.

“He’s got a chance, he’s definitely got a chance. There’s already talk of one or two clubs in England who are looking at him.

“I’m not sure he’s ready for that yet, to be honest with you, but he’s definitely got a chance.”

King himself admitted to being surprised to be involved in the reverse fixture against Liverpool at Anfield last week and was likely shocked to be involved in back-to-back Champions League games.

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