The January window has largely come and gone with minimal fuss at Elland Road, and Marcelo Bielsa’s confirmation earlier in the week that he and his team have not “contemplated” bringing in any fresh faces would seemingly put pay to the prospect of any late drama.
Still, where the eccentric Argentine is concerned, we have come to expect the unexpected, and despite their insistence on keeping themselves to themselves this month, there have still been plenty of rumours going around involving the Whites.
Fiorentina midfielder Erick Pulgar has undoubtedly been the most talked about “target”, with the Italian media – and La Nazione, in particular – going into overdrive as they reiterated time and time again that there is a potential deal in the offing.
With the end of the window in sight, that one looks to be dead in the water, but don’t be surprised to see it reemerge – a la Rodrigo de Paul – as the summer approaches.
Elsewhere, other prospective deals have been put to bed already.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was linked earlier this month, as per Le Phoceen, but the forward ended up leaving FC Mainz for Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.
In truth, given Patrick Bamford’s stellar start to the campaign, that probably won’t bother Bielsa and his staff too much, and the rumour will go down as just another drop in an ocean of gossip.
Here’s the rest of the transfers that Leeds have purportedly looked at over the past few weeks:
1. Erick Pulgar
If you hadn't heard of Erick Pulgar before January, you certainly will have by now. The Chilean international has been linked with Leeds all month long by a variety of sources in the Italian media, and while it looks increasingly unlikely that a deal will be struck this month, don't be surprised to see this rumour resurface in the summer. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Photo: Gabriele Maltinti
2. Lucas Vazquez
Perhaps one of the more fanciful pieces of gossip to have done the rounds this month, Vazquez's uncertain contract situation at Real Madrid has put him at the centre of speculation for months. Again, this one could come back around, but Vazquez is a hugely talented individual and would surely attract widespread attention if he becomes available. (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: CESAR MANSO
3. Julian Draxler
Draxler is very much out in the cold at French champions PSG, and with Marcelo Bielsa's good pal Mauricio Pochettino taking over in the dugout in the French capital, it's little surprise to see him linked with Elland Road. It would be an ambitious swoop, but again, will it happen before Monday? Maybe not. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) Photo: Joosep Martinson
4. Jason Knight
Knight has emerged as a darling of the gossip columns in recent weeks, with Derby County reportedly looking to sell some of their top talent in an effort to balance the books at Pride Park. The midfielder has been linked with a number of clubs including Leeds and Premier League rivals Burnley. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
5. Louie Sibley
Another of Derby's bright young things, Sibley fits the profile of a Leeds target perfectly. Energetic, exciting, and creative - if he doesn't leave Pride Park this month, he could be touted as potential signing again in the summer. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Burstow
6. Andy Delort
The Montepellier man was reportedly offered to Leeds this month, but with Marcelo Bielsa never too keen on overstocking his frontline - and with Patrick Bamford firing on all cylinders - it always felt like an outside shout. (Photo by SYLVAIN THOMAS/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: SYLVAIN THOMAS