According to Finish media outlet, MTV Sport, Leeds United are on the verge of completing a deal for Aapo Halme from HJK Helsinki.

The Whites are looking to complete a deal for the Finish centre-back, with the Sky Bet Championship outfit poised to pay a significant transfer-fee for Halme, who has established himself in the first-team at Helsinki.

The 19-year-old has already made 36 first-team appearances for Helsinki, as well as representing Finland at various youth levels over recent years.

Leeds are looking to bolster their squad ahead of the second-half of the Championship season, with Thomas Christiansen looking to become the man to lead the Whites back to the Premier League after a 14-year absence.

Halme has become one of Leeds’ top targets this window and a deal for the defender could be announced within the week.

Leeds are currently sixth in the Championship table, but have failed to capitalise on results in recent days, losing at Birmingham City, before a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest yesterday.

Those results have left the Whites looking over their shoulder in the Championship’s standings, with Leeds not back in action until mid-January due to the FA Cup break next weekend.

The Verdict  

This is perhaps a surprise, as Leeds already have a wealth of options at centre-back in both the first-team and academy.

However, Leeds have made use of their European scouting network on more than one occasion in recent windows and the club’s supporters will not be overly surprised to see that is the case, once again.

It is glaringly obvious Leeds need some added Championship experience, and failure to add from the domestic market will not be well received by the club’s fanbase.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!