Leeds United can give their promotion push a significant boost by bringing in a player described as a 'young Rio Ferdinand." The Whites have been linked with Nottingham Forest defender Andrew Omobamidele, a player Leeds boss Daniel Farke knows all too well.

Farke was responsible for handing Omobamidele his debut while manager of Norwich City, with the player departing Carrow Road in the summer in a much-heralded £11m switch. That move has not been a good one for Omobamidele, who has just one EFL Cup appearance to his name so far in an injury-hit season at the Premier League's surprise package this campaign.

Behind the likes of Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo and Morato at the City Ground, the 22-year-old Republic of Ireland defender has no easy path into the Forest first team, with Nuno Espirito Santo understood to be happy to let the player leave in January. That has prompted a flurry of interest, with Leeds thought to be among those interested in signing a player who just a few months ago was seen as one of the best talents in the Championship.

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The Sun report Leeds have already opened talks with Forest in an effort to get a deal done in order to strengthen their central defensive options, with Ethan Ampadu having had to recently drop back into defence. Farke is a fan, as is someone else who has tracked Omobamidele's career path, Irish coach Vinny Perth.

Speaking to Off the Ball about Omobamidele back in 2021, Perth hailed the player as the next Rio Redinand, saying; “A really, really exciting footballer. He is so comfortable on the ball.

"I hate giving players tags, but he looks like a young Rio Ferdinand. He is so calm on the ball, so assured on the ball, his passing range is excellent."