Leeds United director of football Victor Orta has confirmed the club have monitored Todd Cantwell and Louie Sibley but a move for either before Friday's deadline seems highly unlikely.

The Whites have enjoyed a brilliant start to the season under Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League and they have had a very productive transfer window. Despite that, there was still a desire to bring in an attacking midfielder if possible.

And, reports had indicated that Cantwell, who plays for Norwich City was a £15m target for the newly-promoted side, whilst an update this morning suggested Derby's Sibley is someone Leeds want to sign.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Orta honestly addressed those rumours, admitting they have been on the club's radar, although any deal in the next five days has been ruled out.

"We know them really well, their clubs were our rivals, we analysed [Cantwell] in the Premier League. But it's like a lot of players we've analysed.

"It's difficult. They are players we analysed, we have information and then we need to think about the possibility."

Quiz: Can you name these 10 ex-Leeds United midfielders?

The verdict

It's nice to hear a key figure at a club admit that they are looking at players they've been linked with, instead of the standard responses we tend to get.

Clearly, Leeds wanted a more creative option in midfield and it's no surprise that Cantwell and Sibley came into their thinking as both are hugely talented, young players who could go on to be stars in the Premier League.

Whilst it appears that nothing is imminent for either player, it's something to keep an eye on in January as the situation may have changed by then.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.