Leeds United could make a move for Reading midfielder John Swift in the January transfer window due to Marcelo Bielsa's affection for the player, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.
The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Swift move
The 26-year-old has been a star performer for the Championship side this season, scoring eight goals and chipping in with seven assists in the league.
Swift was linked with a move to Leeds last week, with Bielsa potentially bolstering his midfield options in the process.
Burnley and Wolves were both also believed to be in the mix, though, so acquiring his services may not be easy.
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The Latest: Hay hints at transfer
Replying in the comments section of his article for The Athletic, Hay admitted signing Swift isn't out of the question:
"I can definitely see the value in signing a centre mid in the window, partly to help this season but partly to create one less job for the summer window (which will be far more active).
"Was interesting to see John Swift linked over the weekend because Swift is someone Bielsa quietly admires."
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The Verdict: Solid squad addition
There can be a snobbery when it comes to Premier League clubs signing Championship players - some Leeds fans reacted negatively to links with Huddersfield Town's Lewis O'Brien in the past - but Swift could be a shrewd signing by the Whites.
His goal and assist tally from midfield speaks for itself and Bielsa called him a 'great player' last year, with the Leeds boss certainly knowing a thing or two about what makes a footballer special.
His current boss, Veljko Paunovic, has also hailed Swift as 'fantastic', and he could provide competition for places in the middle of the park, also acting as long-term signing given he is still only just entering his prime.
In other news, a journalist has provided a key Kalvin Phillips update. Read more here.