Leeds United have reportedly made the first steps towards signing Sampdoria attacking midfielder Abdelhamid Sabiri.

The Lowdown: Sabiri profiled

Sabiri is primarily an attacking midfielder and made a permanent move to Sampdoria over the summer following a successful loan spell.

The 26-year-old has scored 45 senior goals for club and country and is currently away with Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar.

He scored a penalty in the shootout win over Spain earlier this week and is now preparing for a quarter-final clash with Portugal, with links of a move to Elland Road now emerging.

The Latest: Leeds approach

According to La Gazzetta Express, Victor Orta and co want to sign Sabiri in January and have already made an approach over a possible move.

Leeds aren’t alone in their pursuit, though, with Lyon and Real Betis also thought to be keen, with a loan with an option to buy transfer mooted.

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The Verdict: One to watch?

Leeds appear to primarily be on the hunt for a centre-forward and a young left-back in January, but a move for Sabiri could still be one to watch.

He can play in a number of positions but is mainly an attacking midfielder, an area you could say Leeds are short in with just Brenden Aaronson and youngster Sam Greenwood the available options to Jesse Marsch at this moment in time.

Therefore, Sabiri could be a smart signing by Orta and potentially a cheap one with his current €3m Transfermarkt valuation.