Leeds United have been heavily linked to Championship starlet Louie Sibley going all the way back to October, and former Premier League star Rob Lee has given his verdict on whether this would be a good transfer.

Lee's thoughts on Sibley

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern about Derby County's Sibley, Lee said: "Yeah, he's a good young player. Would he go straight into their team? I'm not sure.

"They've got certain way of playing, and if they’re going to buy someone they need someone who’s going to go straight in, bang.

"But it would be a good signing for easing his way in because he’s a good young player."

One for the future

Derby U23s coach Pat Lyons piled the praise on Sibley after he scored a hat-trick for the U23s against Leeds' youngsters last season. He said: "I’m delighted for him to get the hat-trick. He was outstanding all night. His driving with the ball is unbelievable, the way he goes past players and the way he makes things happen."

The Rams starlet looks like he has the quality to succeed and he has taken these "outstanding" performances from youth level to first team football, as he shone in the FA Cup against Manchester United and also scored a hat-trick against Millwall.

He is just 19 years-old, and the fact that Leeds have been linked suggests that the Yorkshire side feel he has the potential to succeed at a higher level in the future. The midfielder has shown some great attacking intent in his 16 appearances this season (only five were starts) and the fact he is fouled 1.3 times a game suggests that defences find it very tricky to get a hold of him fairly.

It is hard to disagree with Lee's comments as Sibley looks to be a good young player with lots of potential, but it might take him a bit of time to cement his place into a Marcelo Bielsa side. He would however add some good depth and become a valuable asset with an eye to the future.

In other news, find out whose return from injury has been deemed ‘massive’ here!