Derby County midfielder Louie Sibley has emerged as a summer transfer target for Leeds United late in the domestic window.

Leeds have laid a heavy focus with the European market, which closed last Monday. That left them short in midfield and the EFL is now their only hope of strengthening Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.

It appears that has led them to Derby’s door.

Latest  

It emerged yesterday from Football Insider that Leeds were in the hunt to sign Sibley. No bid had been tabled, but the hierarchy at Elland Road are known to be huge admirers of the midfielder.

Sibley emerged as one of the shining lights at Derby last season. The 19-year-old made 11 appearances, scoring five goals and registering two assists.

The teenager bagged a hat-trick from midfield in a clash with Millwall.

Football Insider’s reports have furthered this morning, confirming that Leeds are readying a £10m for Sibley in a bid to lure him out of Pride Park.

Is it likely to happen?  

It feels very much like a case of wait and see.

Whilst Football Insider have gone big by suggesting a bid is being readied, other reports have suggested otherwise.

Ryan Conway of The Athletic confirmed yesterday that there was interest in Sibley from Elland Road. However, he questioned whether Leeds have the budget to turn that interest into a transfer.

Leeds have gone heavy on the European market and spent around £100m on new signings for the Premier League.

Phil Hay claimed on his podcast at the back end of last week that any deal for a midfielder might depend on structuring a loan-to-buy transfer.

That suggests Leeds’ budget might not stretch to Sibley.

Quiz: Do Huddersfield Town and Leeds United have these 10 things in common?