Leeds United are unlikely to sign goalscoring Huddersfield left-back Scott Malone in the January window, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The regional newspaper claim that Malone, 26, is on the radar of the Championship promotion hopefuls as they look to strengthen in a position that has been a problem for them this season.
The Yorkshire Evening Post report that it is “highly unlikely” that the defender will be available in the forthcoming window after winning his place back for the Premier League side.
Malone joined the Premier League new boys from Fulham for £4million in the summer transfer window and initially failed to dislodge Chris Lowe in the starting XI.
But he started three consecutive matches for Huddersfield before being benched for their 5-0 mauling at Arsenal on Wednesday night.
The former Millwall and Cardiff ace made a big impression at Craven Cottage last season, scoring an eyecatching six goals from 36 league matches from his defensive slot.
Reports, including by the Daily Express, claim the Championship promotion hopefuls will attempt to land Malone, 26, on loan when the winter window opens.
Good move for Leeds?
Christiansen needs an upgrade at left-back with Gaetano Berardi and Vurnon Anita both makeshift options and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson failing to make any sort of impression during his loan from Manchester United. Despite bringing in a raft of new additions during the summer Leeds failed to adequately replace Charlie Taylor, who, like Malone, has struggled to nail down a regular starting role since moving up a division. Malone would provide Leeds with a proven performer who is able to overlap and not always cut in on to his right foot. He would be a smart signing.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
The only way it would happen is if Huddersfield boss David Wagner feels his team has adequate defensive back-up for the second half of the campaign. Malone would also have to be willing to drop back down to the Championship. However, the defender has been playing regularly of late, despite his omission at Emirates Stadium, and it would need a change of circumstances over the next month for a deal to be viable.
This Is Futbol rating:4/10