Leeds United have joined the race to sign Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Out of favour

Despite having three years remaining on his contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena, the 22-year-old could now be on the move after failing to start any of the club's opening four games of the new campaign under Alfred Schreuder.

Signed from Nordsjaelland for £8m in 2020, Kudus is a versatile player, having previously been used as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder and even as a winger, and it appears that this has attracted plenty of attention from the Premier League.

The Latest: Leeds monitoring Kudus

According to Ghanasoccernet.com, the Whites have ‘expressed interest in signing’ Kudus, but are ‘yet to make’ any official bids.

Jesse Marsch’s side are set to face competition for his signature, with Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, Wolves and ‘several’ clubs across Europe also keen on a move for the Ghanaian.

It’s believed that Everton are the first club to make an offer, with Ajax soon set to be ‘forced’ to make a decision over his future.

The Verdict: James replacement?

Daniel James has recently been the subject of a surprising offer from Spurs, so he could be heading for the Elland Road exit, and Kudus would be the ideal player to come in and fill the void vacated by the Welshman if he goes.

The £9m-rated ace, who has been praised for his ‘electric’ pace by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, averaged an outstanding 90.5% pass success rate and 1.5 dribbles per Eredivisie game last season (WhoScored), highlighting his composure on the ball and a desire to get forward.

Victor Orta could find it difficult to fend off Leeds' competitors for Kudus' services, but if the opportunity arises, this is a deal that he, Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers should definitely look at trying to complete in the final few days of the transfer window.