Leeds United transfer notebook with Man City loan interest and January race under way

Leeds United will face stiff competition from Premier League sides if they decide to follow up their interest in Burnley's Josh Brownhill. The experienced midfielder is out of contract at Turf Moor in the summer and will be free to talk to clubs in January.

That has prompted a flurry of interest, with sides weighing up a cut-price deal in the new year in order to move a step ahead of rivals. Leeds had been credited with interest in the 28-year-old, who has five goals for Scott Parker's promotion rivals this season. However, reports now suggest West Ham United, Brighton and Fulham are keen to bring him back to the Premier League.

Brownhill has played every minute of every Championship game for Burnley so far, as the Clarets look to clinch promotion. Leeds had been linked last summer, but after signing Ao Tanaka and securing the season-long loan of Joe Rothwell, it's debatable whether Daniel Farie and Co would be keen to splash out on another midfielder this winter.

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Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev are expected back from injuries soon, and with Josuha Guilavogui also signed as back-up, Leeds are well stocked in the midfield. Brownhill can also play as a No 10, something which could appeal to Farke, but with a string of clubs interested, Leeds would have to make a big play to land the former Bristol City midfielder.

James McAtee interest

Another player who has been strongly linked with a move to Leeds United in the past is Manchester City youngster James McAtee. The 22-year-old impressed in loan spells with Sheffield United, and Pep Guardiola was keen to keep him with his City squad after summer interest.

Reports have suggested Leeds have made enquiries about a potential January loan, with the England Under-21 international thought to be an ideal creative force at the base of the forward line. Farke has Brenden Aaronson as an option for that role, but McAtee could be the perfect replacement for Georginio Rutter.

Should City consider another loan move then Leeds will have plenty of competition. West Ham, Celtic, Nottingham Forest and Feyenoord are just some of the clubs interested, according to Caught Offside.

Experience will be vital

Leeds United have more 'pressure' to win promotion to the Premier League than their rival Championship clubs, according former Whites defender Danny Mills. And he feels the experience of Chris Wilder at Sheffield United could leave the Blades in a strong position.

Daniel Farke has twice led Norwich to promotion, of course, but ex-England defender Mills feels Wilder's experience will be a big factor in this season's race.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Mills said: “He's a manager that's been there and done it and he knows that division very well. He knows the club. Sometimes it's just a good fit, isn't it? Sometimes it's hand in glove and those two, they just work for whatever reason. It's a marriage made in heaven.

"Leeds expect to be promoted. After being so close and being in the Premier League not so long ago, they expect to be in the top two. And the fans demand that they're in the top two. Sheffield United expect to do well, but there isn't quite the same pressure within that. Probably like Burnley as well, who have had a decent start, Scott Parker's doing good things there.

“But I think what he has got is that nous. And over the festive period which we're coming up to now - the pitches aren't as good, training isn’t always easy, dark nights or travel - all these sorts of things start to play into it and come into that. He's experienced. He knows what it takes to keep his players motivated, to keep them sharp, to keep their focus, and that's absolutely vital at this stage of season, through what is a very tricky period.”