Leeds United are eyeing what has been described as a 'shock' move for Sheffield United midfielder Luke Freeman in the January transfer window, a report from a print edition of The Sun on Sunday (05/01, p61) has claimed.

Freeman only joined the newly-promoted Blades from Leeds' Championship rivals QPR in the summer transfer window for a reported £5million, although game time has since been hard to come by for the midfielder.

Following that move to Bramall Lane, Freeman has made just 11 appearances in all competitions for the Blades, and has started in the Premier League on only three occasions during that time.

Consequentially, it now seems as though there is interest in Freeman emerging from elsewhere, with the latest reports suggesting that Leeds could make a move for the 27-year-old, to boost their own hopes of winning promotion to the Premier League this season.

It has been suggested by Sun journalist Alan Nixon that the move could materialise either as a loan or a permanent move, implying there is still much to be decided about this potential deal.

Freeman signed a three-year contract with Sheffield United in the summer, securing his future at Bramall Lane until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The Verdict

This is an interesting one.

When you look at the impact that Freeman previously made in the Championship for QPR, it certainly seems as though he could help Leeds in their battle for promotion this season.

However, when you consider the struggle for chances Freeman has endured since making that step up to the top flight with the Blades, you have to wonder whether this would actually be a productive move for Leeds in the long term.

Furthermore, with plenty of time left on his contract, it could be questioned whether Sheffield United will be willing to let him go so soon into that deal, particularly to a local rival such as Leeds.