Reliable Leeds United reporter Phil Hay has answered a question regarding the possible return of midfielder Ronaldo Vieira.

The Whites are thought to be keen on making two midfield additions in the New Year after being hit by multiple injury problems in recent months.

Director of football Victor Orta is after a number six and a number eight, with Sampdoria midfielder Vieira linked with a move.

Reports in Italy have recently suggested that Vieira is ‘ready to return home’, with a move back to Leeds ‘approaching’.

The 23-year-old has had his own injury issues over the past 18 months which has limited his Serie A appearances to just four in 2020/21 and 2021/22. And now Hay has given his thoughts on Vieira re-signing under Marcelo Bielsa.

The Latest: Hay’s four-word claim

Hay shared a transfer mailbag on The Athletic, answering comments from a number of supporters.

One of those was on Vieira, with a fan wanting to see the midfielder back at the club. This is what Hay had to say in reply, ending with an interesting four-word claim - ‘I can’t see it’.

“Vieira has been totally inactive at first-team level since that loan to Sheffield United fell through. I can’t see it.”

The Verdict: Avoid

Bielsa needs winter window reinforcements in the middle of the pitch who can come straight into the side and help Leeds in their fight for survival.

He has just Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich available at this moment in time, with Kalvin Phillips and Jamie Shackleton injured and Stuart Dallas needed at full-back for large parts of the season.

Unfortunately, due to his lengthy absence with hamstring and thigh problems, you’d expect Vieira may struggle to hit the ground running back in Yorkshire.

On that basis, the Whites could be better off looking elsewhere for January signings, and you’d like to think Orta has a number of defensive and central midfield targets.

In other news: 'Unbelievable' Leeds man may now need an operation after injury and could miss 12 games – expert.