Leeds United eye Bright Osayi-Samuel as January transfer window looks set to open

ENGLISH footballing giants Leeds United are planning to purchase Super Eagles rightback Bright Osayi-Samuel during the forthcoming January transfer window as the club plans for a swift return to the Premier League.

On Monday, the January transfer window will open and Leeds, who got relegated from the English Premier League last season, will be looking to use the opportunity to form up their squad as they prepare for a swift return to the top flight. Already, Leeds have sent on-loan right-back Djed Spence back to his parent club Tottenham Hotspurs, so now have a vacancy in the position.

Leeds are hoping to secure automatic promotion during the second half of the season and as part of this drive decided to terminate Spence's deal earlier than expected, rather than it being a case of Spurs opting to recall him. Osayi-Samuel who currently plays for Fenerbahce on Turkey is seen as a dream replacement for the former England U21 international.

Turkish media outlet Star, has reported that Leeds are one of a number of clubs to have entered the race to land the Nigeria international's signature this month. Apparently, Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers are two other two teams eyeing up a possible swoop to sign the former Queens Park Rangers star.

However, Fenerbahce do not want to lose the Nigerian defender without a fight and are ready to demand a fee within the region of €10m (£8.6m) for his services. Leeds manager Daniel Farke, however, is keen to add another right-back to his squad to bolster his depth.

Osayi-Samuel has been in fine form so far this season, starting 13 Super Lig matches for the Turkish giants so far and has caught the eye with his defensive contributions. He has averaged 3.2 tackles and interceptions combined and 4.8 ball recoveries per match across those 13 outings.

In addition, he has also won 59% of his duels and this shows that the impressive speedster is a strong defender who does not get outmuscled by opposition forwards and is therefore, able to produce dominant performances down the flank. Osayi-Samuel is currently away with the Nigerian team as they prepare for the African Cup of Nations.