Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch is reportedly keen to keep hold of Cody Drameh, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Drameh linked with Leeds exit
This season has seen the 21-year-old make just two senior appearances for the Whites across the Premier League and the Carabao Cup, and has not been involved in a first-team matchday squad since September.
Last month, it was reported that Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund have an interest in signing the full-back, who .
With the January transfer window commencing in just over a week's time, Romano has shares a behind-the-scenes update regarding Drameh and his situation at Elland Road.
The Latest: Leeds fighting to keep Drameh
The Italian journalist took to Twitter on Friday to share the latest on the 21-year-old amid those recent exit rumours.
Romano tweeted: "Leeds are now fighting to keep Cody Drameh at the club after Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund interest. #LUFC
"Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are also interested - but Jesse Marsch will push again to keep Cody Drameh by suggesting playing opportunities. Loan, not an option."
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-12/" title="Latest Leeds United updates" poster="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg" width="360" height="600" align="none"]
The Verdict: Pressure on Marsch
During his loan spell at Cardiff City last season, the full-back ended the campaign with the second-highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (105) at the club, along with the third-highest total of successful dribbles (24), which makes it easy to see why so many clubs have their eyes on the player.
Indeed, Steve Morison - who managed Drameh during that time in south Wales - hailed the youngster as a "top drawer" player.
However, given the lack of senior action that the defender has had over recent months, it's surprising to hear that Marsch is apparently so eager to keep hold of him. This duly makes us believe that the Leeds manager has put pressure on himself to start giving the defender sufficient first-team game-time in a bid to convince Drameh to remain at Elland Road.
If Leeds are able to keep hold of the player in January, he will surely need to see a pathway to regular game-time put in front of him by the manager if he wants to continue at the club for the long-term.