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The Whites are interested in bringing Kelechi Iheanacho to Elland Road for the remainder of the Championship season

Leeds United have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Sevilla forward Kelechi Iheanacho during the January transfer window.

As per a report from Football Insider, the former Manchester City and Leicester City man has been made available for a loan switch after failing to establish himself as a first-team regular at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium.

The Whites have been active during the market so far to recruit a new number nine to bolster the front line and help them get over the line for automatic promotion back to the Premier League, with previous links with Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath.

However, a more short-term deal for a player of Iheanacho’s calibre could be more appealing, as the club would then have the decision over making the move permanent or not, depending on how the Nigerian international fares if a deal gets over the line.

Leeds still sit at the summit of the Championship table heading into the latest round of second-tier fixtures, aiming to strengthen their grip on a top-two place as they entertain fellow promotion contenders Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.

Leeds United eye Kelechi Iheanacho loan deal

According to Football Insider, Leeds have shortlisted the Nigerian international and made contact over a deal, although they are set to face strong competition from English clubs as well as from top European leagues.

It was previously reported last week that Premier League duo Wolves and Ipswich Town had opened preliminary talks to sign the 28-year-old.

Iheanacho has struggled for a run of consistent form since making the switch to La Liga, recording just three goals from 11 appearances in all competitions, while he is yet to record a league goal.

Under contract until June 2026 with the option of a further 12-month extension, it appears Sevilla are willing to loan their frontman out to see if he can develop some confidence and come back for the new La Liga season in the summer refreshed to kickstart his career after a poor opening term.

Leeds United have a tough task to lure Kelechi Iheanacho

Despite being a massive club in waiting for a return to the Premier League, it will be difficult for Leeds to stifle off competition from the likes of Wolves and Ipswich right now, as Iheanacho is sure to be keener on plying his trade back in the top flight and showing what he can do at a top level.

There’s no doubt Iheanacho would help Leeds in their search for goals if he dropped down to the Championship, registering five strikes in 23 second tier outings as Leicester were crowned champions last season under Enzo Maresca.

The Yorkshire giants need another goalscorer to ease the pressure on Joel Piroe, after Patrick Bamford suffered a recent hamstring injury while Mateo Joseph needs to start producing a better output to support the frontline.

The saga surrounding Iheanacho is sure to take many twists and turns, and Premier League clubs are always going to be ahead of the queue when recording an interest. If Leeds are to secure what would be a marquee signing, it may have to be cutting it very close to the deadline.