It could be a busy week for Marcelo Bielsa’s table-topping Leeds as they look to recruit to continue their surge for promotion.
The priority for the Argentine is to sign an experienced keeper between the sticks, but who are the reported targets and who could be on their way out of Elland Road?
talkSPORT.com has a look at all the transfer gossip surrounding the Whites.
Kiko Casilla (Real Madrid)
One transfer that is reportedly close to completion is a move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Cassilla.
Casillla’s game time was already limited due to Keylor Navas last season but this term it has been cut even further with the arrival of Thibaut Courtois.
Chelsea loanee Jamal Blackman broke his leg in November and Northern Irish keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell has been his replacement, but Bielsa is keen on bringing in a more experienced shot-stopper.
Having started his career at Real, Casilla, now 32, moved to Espanyol in 2007 before returning to the Bernabeu in 2015, after which he served as the back-up for three seasons.
The former Spain international made 17 appearances for Real last season, including their 3-1 defeat to Tottenham in the Champions League group stage.
Emiliano Martinez (Arsenal)
Another goalkeeper who is being monitored by Leeds is Arsenal keeper Emliano Martinez.
Just like Casilla, Martinez’s chances of first team action have been limited with Petr Cech and summer recruit Bernd Leno in the Gunners’ ranks.
According to the Mail, the keeper is interested in playing in the Championship and he could move out on loan to the league leaders this month.
Martinez, 26, was convinced to stay at the Emirates by Unai Emery to partake in their pre-season tour, but he now may wish he moved on in the summer.
Fraser Forster (Southampton)
According to The Sun, Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster could be on the way to Elland Road to replace Blackman.
The former England international fell out of favour at Saint Mary’s last season and is not in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans.
But his experience with Celtic and in the Premier League is an attractive asset for Bielsa.
However, he is very much a back-up option with Casilla frontrunner to be the new no.1. in the coming days.
Out
Jack Clarke
Rising star Jack Clarke has been mightily impressive since the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa.
The teenager, 18, was handed his debut against Brentford in October and has appeared 13 times in the White shirt since.
Clarke has also scored twice and assisted a further two in since his promising debut – and in his last outing against Derby he earned a standing ovation from the Leeds crowd for a Man of the Match performance in their win.
Unfortunately for Leeds fans Premier League clubs are now circling, and Southampton are reportedly keen to bring him to the south coast.
With the Saints renowned for playing youth and Hasenhuttl reportedly an admirer, Clarke could be in the top flight soon.
