Leeds United have not been afraid to show ambition in recent transfer windows when it comes to putting together a list of targets. However, with that said it is also fair to say that Leeds have missed out on a number of big-name players who are now excelling at the top level both at club and international level.
Many of those players are now set to feature for their country at the World Cup, which gets underway today. So, with that in mind, here is a look at five former Leeds transfer targets to look out for on the biggest stage of them all.
Charles De Ketelaere - Belgium
Leeds were extremely keen on signing Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge in the summer to solve their issues up front. However, De Ketelaere remained patient in holding out for a move to AC Milan, which eventually went through in August.
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With no goals and just one assist for the 21-year-old in Milan, it is fair to say it has not yet gone to plan, but he has still made the Belgium squad for Qatar. It is likely he'll be playing second fiddle for much of the tournament with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin de Bruyne still very much ahead of him.
Josko Gvardiol - Croatia
From a defensive point of view, this is very much the one that got away as far as Leeds are concerned. The Whites were desperate to bring him to Elland Road in their first summer back in the Premier League, but he instead opted for RB Leipzig as they were prepared to loan him back to Dinamo Zagreb to aid his development.
Proving that Victor Orta and the Leeds scouts got this one right, Gvardiol is now very much viewed as one of the best young defenders in the world and clubs like Chelsea are reportedly prepared to pay big money for him. This will be his second major tournament at international level and Croatia will certainly be quietly confident of another strong showing.
Rodrigo De Paul - Argentina
Leeds were linked Rodrigo De Paul in their first summer back in the Premier League when he was still at Udinese. De Paul sent Whites supporters into frenzy with some of his social media activity at the time of the speculation, though no move ever materialised and he is now at Atletico Madrid.
After winning the Copa America last year, De Paul and his Argentina teammates are very much among the favourites for World Cup glory. De Paul has been crucial to his nation's recent success and his relationship with Lionel Messi has been a frequent talking point across social media in recent months.
Cody Gakpo - Netherlands
Cody Gakpo was close to making the switch to Leeds on deadline day in the summer but a reported late intervention from Louis van Gaal saw him stay at PSV. With 14 goals and 14 assists already in all competitions this season, that has arguably proved to be the right decision.
There is a feeling that a strong World Cup for Gakpo will really get the top clubs circling for his signature, with Manchester United and Arsenal already linked. Gakpo certainly has the team around him to do well, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay making Netherlands one of the strongest in the tournament.
Noa Lang - Netherlands
It is difficult to describe Noa Lang as one that got away considering he is still playing his club football at Club Brugge. That said, Leeds were heavily interested in his signature during the summer of 2021 but for whatever reason, it feels as though that ship has now sailed.
Lang hasn't been at his best this season for Brugge but has still made it into Netherlands' squad anyway, and while he may not be a starter, he is certainly a box office option for van Gaal to be able to bring off the bench.
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