The club may also need a left-back, another midfielder for depth, a better version of Brenden Aaronson and Manor Solomon on a permanent deal from Tottenham – or another winger instead of the Spurs ace.

If Leeds want to bring in a top-quality midfielder but save themselves some cash, then they ought to take action on their initial interest in Sporting Lisbon player Hidemasa Morita – Ao Tanaka’s Japan teammate.

Leeds are interested in signing Morita, with the 30-year-old entering the final year of his contract this month. A holding midfielder, Japan star Morita has spent the last three years with Sporting Lisbon.

Now, Portuguese outlet A Bola deliver the situation regarding Morita. They say Morita is desperate to try something new with the Premier League his preferred destination, but Sporting want to keep him.

That is despite Sporting winning the Portuguese title this season. It is claimed that Sporting have already offered Morita a new contract, which was turned down by the player as he searches for a new project.

Leeds are mentioned in the latest report as the only club with a genuine interest, but are yet to make a bid or open talks. A fee of £6.75m could convince Sporting to part ways, even if they want to keep him.