"A lot might turn their nose up" - Leeds United urged to avoid January transfer risk involving 8-goal winger | OneFootball

FLW's Leeds United fan pundit has had his say on the links to Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Leeds United are looking into a potential January transfer deal for United States international youngster Diego Luna of MLS side Real Salt Lake.

The latest comes according to a report from The Mirror, who state that whilst no agreement is thought to be imminent at this stage, Leeds hold a firm interest in the versatile forward, with Luna able to operate as a winger or attacking midfielder.

He recently won the MLS Young Player of the Year award, and the Championship promotion chasers have been keeping a watchful eye on the 21-year-old's development after a standout season at Real Salt Lake.

We asked FLW’s Leeds United fan pundit Kris Smith for his thoughts on the latest link and whether he is a player Leeds ought to be in the market for next month when the window opens, with an attacking midfielder the main area of concern for the majority of fans of the West Yorkshire club.

Kris told FLW: "Leeds could really do with an attacking midfielder in the New Year.

"I think someone like Diego Luna, with his output that he has shown in the MLS, suggests that he would be a more than viable option for us if we head down that route.

"If we look further afield than the Championship or domestically, then a lot might turn their nose up at the MLS as a way to sign players.

"That's just from years gone by but when you have some of the best attacking players in the league in Haji Wright and Josh Sargent, both hailing from the States, and then Aidan Morris doing really well at Middlesbrough after signing from the MLS, it shows it is not really a league that should be scoffed at.

"It's built that reputation in terms of developing young talent, such as Diego Luna. In my opinion, it would probably be a shrewd addition for Leeds.

"But I do find it a link that is hard to totally get behind, given that, as much as he could be a great signing, there is always that element of risk that comes with signing from places outside of Europe.

"Especially when we are in the middle of a promotion race, and can't really afford to falter. Especially also in such an important part of the pitch with signing an attacking midfielder.

"I don't doubt that he would be worth considering for Leeds, but given that there is talk of him being £5 million pound plus, it is a lot for January when we need an attacking midfield signing to hit the ground running and make that difference for us."

Diego Luna could end up being worth the gamble for Leeds United

If Leeds attempt to strike a deal, they will face competition from other clubs in Europe, with clubs from Belgium, Italy, Holland and Spain all reportedly interested in the 21-year-old.

The Mirror claim that Luna's stocks are as high as ever after his performances in the MLS, so the Whites may have to act quickly if they are keen on beating those other clubs to his signature.

Luna has been at Real Salt Lake for two-and-a-half years now, and earned international recognition with first cap for USA earlier in 2024, and it may now be time for the wide playmaker to make the move to Europe and advance his career further.

Leeds have options in the No.10 position, but very few of which can be described as line-breaking passers or playmakers who can break open a game in an instant with a moment of magic; it's clearly something Daniel Farke's side require in January.