Leeds United accelerating pursuit of Azzedine Ounahi

Premier League relegation contenders Leeds United have reportedly stepped up their effort to sign sought-after Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Whites have already initiated talks with the player’s representatives and the Ligue 1 outfit to understand the feasibility of the deal.

Languishing only two points away from the Premier League drop zone, Leeds must add to their squad to bolster their hopes of extending their top-flight status.

They are reportedly on the verge of signing TSG Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter, who is about to undergo his medical at Elland Road before completing his £36 million switch to Yorkshire.

Rutter won’t be Leeds’ first acquisition this winter as talented defender Maximilian Wober linked up with the Whites earlier in January, arriving from Red Bull Salzburg.

However, Marsch has no intention of hindering his spending spree at the midway point of the January transfer window, with the American manager laying his eyes on Ounahi.

Unfortunately for Leeds, the 22-year-old midfielder does not fancy a move to Elland Road amid growing interest from Premier League top-four hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have identified the highly-rated Moroccan star as an ideal solution for their problems with creativity in the middle of the park and have already tabled a £25m bid to test the waters.

In addition to the north London outfit, runaway Serie A leaders Napoli are admirers of Ounahi following his jaw-dropping performances for Morocco at the World Cup.