Besiktas have reportedly entered the race to sign Emi Buendia amid transfer interest from Leeds United. The Aston Villa midfielder can leave the club before the end of the transfer window.

Buendia has struggled for game time at Villa this season after recovering from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury. He has played just 446 minutes of first-team football across all competitions in 2024/25. However, the Argentine did make his first Champions League start against Monaco on Tuesday and impressed, although he couldn't prevent his side from falling to a 1-0 defeat.

With Leeds thought to be keen on a move for Buendia, there was some concern that his performance for Villa in midweek might see him blocked from leaving the club in January. But Villa boss Unai Emery suggested at full-time that his start in the Champions League is likely to have been an anomaly.

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Buendia played a fantastic match, but we needed something more on the right side and a little bit more on the left side," Emery said. "Of course, I am very happy with a lot of players.

"Today, especially with Emi Buendia, because he has the option to leave but today we needed him and he played fantastic with his qualities, fantastic mentality and fantastic with his commitment with the squad."

And interest in the Villa midfielder has not stopped. According to Turkish outlet ajansspor, Besiktas, now managed by former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, want to sign Buendia this month. It's added that the Super Lig side are 'interested' and the 'transfer conditions' are being investigated.

If Buendia made the switch to Besiktas, he would be joining a team buoyed by Solskjaer's arrival earlier this month. They thrashed Athletic Club 4-1 in the Europa League last time out, with former Norwich City star Milot Rashica scoring twice, while Joao Mario and Rafa Silva also finding the back of the net.

As for Leeds, Daniel Farke's side moved back to the top of the Championship with a 2-0 win over Norwich on Wednesday. Goals from Manor Solomon and Daniel James earned the three points for the Whites.