---
title: "Leeds: Whites backed to make move for Jason Knight"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/jason-knight-leeds-transfer-news-rooney/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United"
published: "2021-12-26T13:45:34Z"
modified: "2021-12-26T13:45:34Z"
---

# Leeds: Whites backed to make move for Jason Knight

**Leeds United are among a host of Premier League clubs who could potentially sign Derby County youngster Jason Knight, according to Pete O’Rourke.**

### The Lowdown: Knight impresses for Derby

The 20-year-old has become a key performer for Derby despite his tender years, [scoring twice and setting up another two goals](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/374779/Show/Jason-Knight) in 15 Championship appearances this season. Knight has even been [compared](https://www.derbycounty.news/analysis/no-fear-wayne-rooney-singles-out-derby-countys-jason-knight-for-praise/) to Wayne Rooney by the man himself, with the Rams manager clearly impressed by the attitude of his player.

The midfielder’s performances have caught the eye of top-flight clubs, and Leeds would appear to be a [potential destination](https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sources-everton-newcastle-leeds-wolves-among-those-keen-on-derby-county-transfer-raids/).

\[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″\]

### The Latest: Leeds in the race

That has been confirmed by O’Rourke, who told [GIVEMESPORT](https://www.givemesport.com/1808150-transfer-news-newcastle-leeds-west-ham-all-interested-in-20-yo-ireland-international) that the Whites are considered as possible suitors for Knight in the [January transfer window](https://www.givemesport.com/1754870-january-transfer-window-2022-when-does-it-open-when-does-it-close-and-which-players-are-going-to-move). He outlined:

> “Jason Knight also, a good midfielder, Republic of Ireland international as well. Lots of clubs looking at him.
>
> “There’s the likes of Brighton, Newcastle, Leeds all interested in him, as well as West Ham. So, I think it could be a real battle on for his signature in January.”

[Latest Leeds United news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-29/)

### The Verdict: Exciting one for the future

Knight mightn’t necessarily be viewed as an immediate option for Marcelo Bielsa but he possesses the long-term potential to be a key figure for Leeds in the future.

It is vital that the Whites continue to plan ahead rather than solely focusing on the here-and-now, with someone like Kalvin Phillips eventually needing to be replaced, especially if the [abundance of transfer rumours](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/leeds-united-star-kalvin-phillips-25778412) regarding the 25-year-old continue into 2022.

It should be stressed that Knight has already [won eight caps](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jason-knight/nationalmannschaft/spieler/530780/verein_id/3509) for the Republic of Ireland, so he has shown that he can compete at a high level, and judging by Rooney’s endorsement of the player, he could significantly strengthen Bielsa’s squad depth at a crucial point in the season.

***In other news, one Leeds signing reportedly won’t come cheap. Find out who it is [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-journalist-makes-key-orkun-kokcu-claim/).***