Leeds United's links with £20m-rated ace questioned amid Southampton and Leicester City interest

The Whites spent big last summer, shelling out close to £100m on new talent as the likes of Spain internationals Diego Llorente and Rodrigo, wing sensation Raphinha and promising defender Robin Koch all arrived at Elland Road for sizeable fees.

Last week, Leeds, along with the likes of Southampton, Newcastle United and Leicester City, were linked with a move for Arsenal's £20m-rated wing-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is currently out on loan with West Bromwich Albion.

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Kevin Phillips expressed his doubts over whether Leeds would actually pursue the versatile 23-year-old, and claimed: "It does surprise me a little bit. He hasn’t been fantastic at West Brom, he’s had the odd good game here and there.

“For Ainsley, he undoubtedly has good talent. Wherever he goes next season he has to play regularly.

“Credit to the kid, when he came to West Brom he wanted to play and he has, he has progressively got better. You just wonder where he gets in that Leeds side at the moment, the midfield area possibly.

“Maybe that right back spot, I don’t know. I’d be surprised if [Marcelo] Bielsa went for him, he’s got the legs but he’s more of an industrious player than a technical one.”

Maitland-Niles has made eleven appearances since joining the Baggies in February, and looks unlikely to be able to save them from relegation, with just five games left to close the nine-point gap to safety.