Leeds United and Sheffield United submit bid for Nottingham Forest defender | OneFootball

Leeds United head into the final hours of the January transfer window still in search of reinforcements ahead of the most crucial period of the Championship season, with the club submitting a bid for Joe Worrall.

This comes in the form of Nottingham Forest centre-back and current club captain Joe Worrall, who is also of interest to Sheffield United in the Premier League.

Luke Ayling and Leo Hjelde's departures, alongside Djed Spence's return to Tottenham Hotspur, has left the club short of defensive numbers, with Ethan Ampadu forced to be deployed as a central defender in recent weeks.

Leeds have been keen to sign a centre-back and at least one full-back this window to bolster their ranks, with Pascal Struijk currently out injured with an adductor issue and Charlie Cresswell falling out of favour with Whites boss Daniel Farke.

Ben Godfrey has also emerged as a target, with Football Insider claiming Leeds' loan offer was knocked back, although it's believed the club are still pushing for the 26-year-old as a potential option.

Godfrey could cover the side at both full-back and centre-back, making a move for him a sensible one, given the issues in the team in both of those areas at present.

James Nursey has revealed both sides attempted to loan the 27-year-old last night, but were knocked back due to Nottingham Forest favouring a permanent sale.

Despite being club captain, Worrall has only featured in nine of Forest's outings in all competitions this season, with his last appearance coming in the 2-2 draw against Luton Town on October 21st, but has recently featured in the two FA Cup games against League One side Blackpool.

It's no surprise that it was rejected, as, according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon account on Tuesday morning, the Whites learned what it would require to take the boyhood Forest fan from the City Ground. It states that they have placed a £6 million price tag on the 27-year-old amid interest from Leeds and fellow Yorkshire side Sheffield United, who are in need of new faces to aid their survival bid in the Premier League.

It has also been revealed by TEAMtalk that Turkish giants Besiktas have joined this particular race, and have made inquiries regarding the possibility of a deal.

Worrall would be a solid addition for Leeds

Leeds must be somewhat concerned by Pascal Struijk's injury, despite Farke confirming he would be back in full training soon, because Worrall is an out-and-out central defender.

He has a wealth of experience and a promotion out of the second tier under his belt, and although he is not the best ball playing centre-back, has the defensive solidity that would bring some added steel at the back for Farke.

Leeds cannot afford to stand still today, with promotion the aim by the end of the season, and the club far too light in defensive areas for the second half of the season push.