Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has reportedly stepped up his pursuit of Manchester City winger Ian Poveda and has personally telephoned the teenager to convince him to move to Elland Road.
With Jack Clarke and Eddie Nketiah having both been recalled by their parent clubs, the Whites are in need of some attacking reinforcements this month.
Leeds Live have reported that the Whites are hoping to bring in Poveda as the replacement for Clarke.
The 19-year-old's deal at Manchester City is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning the Premier League club may be willing to let him leave for a reduced fee, or nothing, in January.
Leeds are not the only club thought to be keen on Poveda, with Italian side Torino also interested in signing the winger.
According to Tuttosport (via Sports Witness), negotiations are ongoing between Torino and the teenager, who is keen on joining the Italian club.
The report claims that Bielsa remains determined to sign the Manchester City man and has personally telephoned him to convince him that joining Leeds would be the best thing for his future.
Poveda has featured just once for the Manchester City first team but is experienced at both U23 (37 appearances) and U18 (32 appearances) level.
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The Verdict
It appears that Bielsa is pulling out the stops to try and ensure that Poveda makes the switch to Elland Road this month.
The teenager looks like a bright prospect, hence the interest in him, and could be a good replacement for Clarke, as well as a signing that pays dividends for the Whites in the future.
They face some tough competition in Torino but you feel the sway of Bielsa and potential Premier League football could seal the deal.