Leeds United could look at reigniting their interest in Leicester City forward Ayoze Perez late in the January transfer window, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Zaniolo also linked with Leeds

AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo appears to be on Victor Orta’s radar on deadline day, with reports suggesting that a loan-to-buy offer has been made for the Italy international.

The 23-year-old seemingly wants out under Jose Mourinho and has faced a backlash from some of his club's supporters after failing to turn up to training.

Leeds aren’t the only Premier League side keen on him, though, with Tottenham and Bournemouth also named with an interest. However, in addition to Zaniolo, it seems as if another name for Whites supporters to keep an eye on could be Perez.

The Latest: Jacobs’ comments on Perez

The Leicester attacker - who can play as a centre-forward, second striker or right winger - has made just three starts in the Premier League this season and is out of contract at the end of June.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs said that the Whites made an approach for Perez earlier in the month and teased a potential ‘late’ swoop.

The CBS Sports reporter stated: “Leeds actually made an inquiry early in the window but didn’t follow up on it. And it’s again a classic example of a club that perhaps just leave something on the back-burner and then maybe is persuaded to move late in the window.”

The Verdict: Avoid…

Perez hasn’t been able to feature in Brendan Rodgers’ first-choice XI on a regular basis this season, so a move to Elland Road doesn’t exactly jump out as one that Leeds chiefs should be desperate to complete.

The Whites have already added to their attacking ranks with a club-record move for Georginio Rutter, while the likes of Rodrigo, Jack Harrison, Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville have all outperformed Perez in the league this season, as per WhoScored.

The Spaniard is now 29 years of age and has seen his Transfermarkt valuation gradually fall since 2019, so you could argue that he is past his peak. As a result, a move should be avoided by Orta and co.