Leeds United are keen on signing Derby County midfielder Jason Knight in the January transfer window, along with a number of other Premier League clubs.

The Lowdown: Knight impressing for Derby

Despite still only being 20 years of age, the youngster has already become an important player for the Rams, making 16 starts in the Championship this season and captaining the team.

The eight-cap Republic of Ireland international has chipped in with two goals and two assists in the league, with his manager Wayne Rooney seeing comparisons with himself in Knight from his playing days.

It now looks as though the midfielder could leave the crisis-stricken Championship club this month as speculation over a move continues to grow.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507"]

The Latest: Leeds interested in Knight

According to The Times, Leeds are eyeing up an imminent move for the midfielder, whose current Derby contract expires in the summer of 2023.

The Whites aren't alone in showing an interest, with Burnley and Newcastle United also mentioned in the report amid pressure on the Rams to sell their most valuable players or risk further points reductions, unless they can show proof of funding for the remainder of this season.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-31/" title="Latest Leeds United news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

The Verdict: Added midfield depth

The need for a new midfielder at Leeds in January is clear to see, with the absent Kalvin Phillips a huge loss with a hamstring injury and not set to return until March, along with a scarcity of alternatives in the middle of the park

Knight may not possess any Premier League experience but his maturity is highlighted by the fact that he is already captain of a Championship club at the age of just 20 and has eight senior international caps, so he could add much-needed depth in the middle of the park.

He has won 1.5 aerial duels and 1.1 tackles per game in the league this season, and Rooney's high praise for him speaks volumes about the player that the 20-year-old can become, given the England legend's standing in the game.

There seems no obvious reason for Leeds not to make a concerted effort to try and capitalise on Derby's woes by luring Knight to Elland Road.

In other news, a journalist has made a key claim regarding Leeds' transfer business. Read more here.