Sources: Leeds working on pre-Jan 1 signing, Orta using 'Bielsa factor' to seal deal

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20 Dec 2019, 6:30 am

Leeds United are working on winning the race for Rhian Brewster before the January window opens as they use the Marcelo Bielsa 'factor' to convince him to join, Football Insider can reveal.

Leeds have already lodged their interest in the striker and they will meet with Liverpool in the coming days to present their case for a deal for the second half of the season, as reported by Football Insider.

There is rival interest from multiple Premier League and Championship clubs, including Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Swansea City, as well as teams in the Bundesliga.

A Leeds source has told Football Insider that Victor Orta, the club recruitment chief, is set to use the 'Bielsa factor' as a key persuasion point.

The Argentine has an outstanding track record of developing and improving young players, including the likes of Premier League loanees Jack Harrison and Ben White in this season alone.

Leeds' high-octane, front foot playing style, is also not too dissimilar to Liverpool's, and they believe that could be a key factor in Jurgen Klopp's final decision.

Football Insider broke the news last month that Klopp is open to loan offers for Brewster in the winter window after making just two senior appearances for Liverpool.

It is likely an agreement will be in place before 1 January, with an early deal in the offing.

United are chasing the London-born forward, 19, as they assess potential replacements for loanee Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah, who may be recalled by his parent club when the winter window opens.

Orta will need to be persuasive to win the race as Liverpool will be aware that Nketiah has failed to start a single league match this season.

The England Under-21 international has had to play second fiddle to Patrick Bamford, who has started all 22 of Leeds' Championship games in the campaign.

In other Leeds United news, it has been claimed that the club have lined up "brilliant" 27-year-old to replace Jack Clarke next month.

Leeds United