Leeds United complete first of their January transfer moves with teenage Italian goalkeeper Elia Caprile

Elia Caprile has completed his move to Elland Road (Pic: Leeds United)

The 18-year-old has joined the Whites from Chievo Verona in a permanent deal, with a contract that runs until the summer of 2023.

Caprile has played for his country at Under 18 level and is a product of Serie B outfit Chievo Verona's youth system.

He has been on Leeds' radar since he was highlighted by Victor Orta's scouting team two years ago.

The deal for the stopper, who was spotted at United's last home game against Sheffield Wednesday and has already trained at Thorp Arch, required FA ratification before it could be confirmed.

Leeds' main transfer objective in the January transfer window is the addition of a striker and they continue to work on potential deals for high profile goalscorers.

Che Adams has been their number one target since before the window opened and is still seen as an ideal addition, despite Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl's repeated insistence that the 23-year-old is needed at St Mary's and will be going nowhere.

Other forwards, like Watford's Andre Gray remain under consideration, but Dwight Gayle's current injury status is likely to rule out the Newcastle striker.

United are being linked with a fresh name on an almost daily basis.

Britt Assombalonga is the latest to be mentioned by a national paper in relation to Leeds' vacancy for a forward, a vacancy left by the recall of Eddie Nketiah by Arsenal.

But the Middlesbrough striker, who has six goals from 21 appearances this season, is not thought to be one of the small number of forwards on the Elland Road shortlist.

As for a winger, Leeds are still in the hunt for Manchester City youngster Ian Poveda, although he has the potential to move overseas.

And Norwegian midfielder Emil Bohinen, son of ex Forest favourite Lars, is also a player of interest for the Whites.