Bristol City may look to make a second attempt to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah on loan in the January transfer window, The Sun have reported.
The Robins had been close to sealing a deal for the attacker in the summer transfer window, before a late change in situation saw Nketiah instead join Leeds United on a season-long loan.
Things have arguably not gone to plan for Nketiah at Elland Road however, with the striker yet to start a Championship game for Marcelo Bielsa's side.
According to the latest reports, that lack of game time for Leeds could see Bristol City push for Arsenal to recall Nketiah in January - with the Gunners possessing the option to do so - before loaning him out to Ashton Gate for the second half of the season.
That however, could be a significant blow for Leeds, and here, we've taken a look at three reasons why the Yorkshire club must look to prevent such a situation occurring.
He has already shown he can be a valuable asset for Leeds
Despite struggling for game time so far this season, Nketiah is clearly someone who could have a big part to play for Leeds this season.
So far this campaign, Nketiah has scored four goals in nine appearances in all competitions, including two match-winning performances off the bench in league victories over Brentford and Barnsley.
It seems therefore that Nketiah is someone who may be able to provide Leeds with a crucial spark they needs to secure those vital points throughout the course of the campaign, something they appeared to be lacking as they slipped out of the automatic promotion places at the end of last season.
It would leave them short on attacking options
If Arsenal were to recall Nketiah, then it would leave Leeds worryingly short of options up front.
Indeed, a move elsewhere for the 20-year-old could mean that Patrick Bamford - who has been preferred to Nketiah as Leeds' first-choice centre forward so far this year - would be their only established option in that role.
But despite his consistent selection for Leeds, it has been a difficult few weeks for Bamford, who is without a goal in his last six appearances - albeit having scored four in five before that.
Should that current run continue however, and Leeds lose Nketiah in January, there would surely be serious questions about whether they have the firepower required to push for promotion throughout the whole season.
They would be strengthening a rival
Not only would losing Nketiah be a blow for Leeds, but it would also be a boost for Bristol City were it to lead to a loan move to Ashton Gate for Nketiah, which could even make things worse for Marcelo Bielsa's side.
As it stands right now, Leeds and Bristol City are fifth and sixth in the Championship respectively, with the Yorkshire based club only ahead of the Robins on goal difference.
It seems therefore as though Lee Johnson's side are one side that could pose a threat to Leeds in their search for Premier League football this season, and they will not want to gift the Robins a helping hand in that by giving them the opportunity to swoop for Nketiah in January.
Indeed, with Bristol City themselves facing some concern about their own lack of attacking options following Stoke loanee Benik Afobe's season-ending ACL injury, Leeds would be letting them off the hook somewhat if they were to bring Nketiah to Ashton Gate, and that could leave Leeds kicking themselves if Nketiah proves to be the one to score the goal that costs them promotion.
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