Leeds United have joined the race to sign Wigan Athletic midfielder Joe Williams, according to reports from Football Insider.

The 23-year-old made 40 appearances across all competitions this season, and has now been linked with moves away from the DW Stadium following the club's relegation to League One.

Middlesbrough and Bristol City have both been linked with Williams, as per The Sun, whilst Football Insider have also recently claimed that West Brom are looking to sign the former Everton man.

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Now, it is claimed that Leeds United have joined the race to sign Williams, who could be available to sign for around £1.5m as Wigan look to raise funds after recently entering administration.

Leeds have already poached one of Wigan's brightest talents in Joe Gelhardt, who has recently joined the Whites on a four-year deal for a reported £1m fee.

The likes of Alfie Devine, Leon Balogun and Jensen Weir have also left the DW Stadium, as the club look to re-enter League One without a manager at the helm.

The Verdict

This is a move that could be an exciting one for Williams.

He has become a top midfielder in the Championship after impressing for Wigan this term, and at the age of 23, he will feel that he needs a big move up a league or two.

Leeds need depth in the centre of the park as Adam Forshaw is injury-prone, and Kalvin Phillips needs competition and someone who can come in and ease the pressure on his shoulders.

He's a tenacious midfielder, having been booked 14 times last term, but under Bielsa, you feel that he could thrive.