Leeds United ready to return for Portugal rising star - but will have to be patient

Leeds United have only a few short weeks in which to add to Daniel Farke's for the second half of their Championship promotion push. The Whites are well placed in the hunt for a Premier League place, and face the dilemma of wanting to add to the squad without upsetting the current successful balance.

Howerver, Farke will be keen to bolster his options at both ends of the field, with a loan move for Aston Villa's Louie Barry already mooted. Leeds have also been linked with a deal for Portugal rising star Dario Essugo - but they will have to wait until the summer window.

The 19-year-old Sporting Lisbon midfielder is currently on loan at Spain side Las Palmas, where he has made 10 appearances in La Liga, scoring once. The Sun's Alan Nixon reports that Leeds had been keen to do a deal last summer, and will return with renewed interest for the Portugal Under-21 international.

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Essugo operates in the heart of the midfield, and can also play an anchor role, and although Farke already has plenty of options in this department, he is seen as a major talent for the future. Leeds have seen injuries to Ethan Ampdau and Ilia Gruev had opportunities to Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell in the centre of midfield, with both taking their chance with both hands.

Nixon also reports that 17-year-old goalkeeper Robbie Cook will sign a contract with Leeds after impressing on a trial period.