Journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that Leeds United ‘like’ Ross Barkley ahead of the January window, Give Me Sport report.

Barkley, described as ‘first class’ by former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, spent a brief time at Elland Road on loan back in 2013.

The attacking midfielder made just four Championship appearances for the Whites and has now been linked with a return to Yorkshire.

Leeds are short of midfield options at this moment in time and are thought to be monitoring the 28-year-old ahead of the New Year.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s claim

O’Rourke was talking to Give Me Sport in a story shared on Wednesday evening – 24 hours on from Leeds’ 7-0 defeat to Manchester City.

This is what he had to say, believing an attacking midfielder isn’t a priority for Marcelo Bielsa.

“They do like him [Barkley], but I don't think it's a major priority for Marcelo Bielsa to bring in another attacking midfielder."

The Verdict: Avoid…

Leeds have Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts who can play just in behind the striker, however, their only out and out defensive midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, is sidelined for two months with a hamstring issue.

On that basis, a move for Barkley should be avoided, with the main aim to bring in a defensive-minded midfielder.

Hopefully, that is what happens over the coming weeks, as failing to add to their defensive and central ranks could prove costly with Leeds currently flirting with the bottom three after just three wins all season.

In other news: Second Leeds man injured vs City alongside Shackleton; issues reach breaking point.