Reading manager Mark Bowen has confirmed that Leeds United are interested in signing midfielder Andy Rinomhota, via quotes from GetReading.

Reports from Football Insider have recently claimed that the Whites are keeping close tabs on the Leeds-born midfielder, with scouts believed to be watching the 22-year-old regularly.

Rinomhota has been a regular for Reading since making his league debut last September, and has since made 51 appearances for the Royals since emerging from the youth ranks.

This season, the combative midfielder has been a hugely important player for Bowen's side, making 21 appearances in all competitions as Reading look to steer well away from the relegation zone.

Can you get 15 out of 15 on this Leeds quiz?

After their midweek draw at Barnsley, Bowen confirmed Leeds' interest in Rinomhota, but then issued a hands-off message to Marcelo Bielsa's side.

He said: "Andy's thought of as a valuable team and squad member so full credit to him.

"He has come up through our academy and has established himself now with teams like Leeds talking about him.

"But I don't care about that, it's what he does for us and hopefully he's fit and available for selection on Saturday again."

It remains to be seen whether Leeds back up their interest with a formal approach for Rinomhota in January, with Kalvin Phillips penning a new five-year deal in the early stages of the season.

They sit second in the Sky Bet Championship table, after being held to a remarkable 3-3 draw with Cardiff City at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Verdict

Rinomhota is one of Reading's most important players, so it's unlikely that they will let him go for peanuts.

But, with Leeds interested in the midfielder, it may be too hard for both the club and the player to turn a move down, given that Leeds is his hometown.

I'm not so sure as to why a midfielder should be on Leeds' transfer wishlist next month, but fans should trust Bielsa.