Leeds United have been hit with a transfer blow in their rumoured pursuit of Sheffield United midfielder Luke Freeman. 

Football Insider have revealed that Chris Wilder doesn't want to see Freeman move on during the January transfer window, which could all but end Leeds' hopes of landing his signature.

Sheffield United's rumoured stance on Freeman's future might come as a surprise to some, with the 27-year-old struggling for consistent game time with the Blades since arriving from QPR during the summer of 2019.

In total, Freeman has made just 12 appearances, most of which have come from the substitutes bench, although he did start for Chris Wilder's men in their recent FA Cup win over AFC Fylde.

Leeds are in the market to sign attack-minded players this month with Jack Clarke and Eddie Nketiah recently returning to their parent clubs after a lack of game time.

Marcelo Bielsa's side are currently sat top of the Championship table, and will be hoping that they can make the necessary additions to their squad to strengthen their promotion bid.

It could be a potentially season-defining transfer window for Leeds, as they look to make a long-awaited return to the Premier League this season.

It's unlikely to be the last we hear of Leeds' rumoured interest in signing Freeman, but this latest report will certainly come as a blow to their chances of coming to an agreement with Chris Wilder's side.

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The Verdict: 

This will be a real blow for Marcelo Bielsa if the report is true.

Freeman hasn't had much game time at all with Sheffield United this season, and I would have thought that it would make sense for him to head to Leeds if they could offer him regular minutes.

Their rumoured stance is somewhat surprising, but Leeds can't afford to waste time dwelling on this, and need to find an alternative option at the earliest of opportunities.