It remains to be seen if Leeds United will enter the January market with the transfer window already more than a week old, but one player associated with Leeds is now playing under Frank Lampard.
On a few times in press conferences, Daniel Farke has mentioned he is expecting a calm month. However, rumors claim that Leeds are looking to sign four new players, including a centre-back and a striker.
Indeed, the source stated that the 49ers desire another central midfielder, despite Leeds’ plenty of talent in the middle of the field. Leeds has signed Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell, and Josuha Guilavogui.
Ethan Ampadu is back in shape, Ilia Gruev is on the verge of returning, and Charlie Crew remains an interesting prospect despite just playing one senior game for Wales. One player that has been linked is Ben Sheaf.
Frank Lampard responds to suggestions Leeds are interested in Ben Sheaf.
LeedsUnited.News understands that Leeds are interested in signing Coventry captain Sheaf. Frank Lampard’s new team may need to accept offers for their key players in order to balance the books.
A figure of £8 million would entice Coventry to sell if Leeds came calling for the former Arsenal midfielder in the coming days and weeks. But Frank Lampard told the Coventry Telegraph that he wants to keep Sheaf.
“No, only that I knew that they are rumours, and I’ve heard them as you have, so yeah, I want to keep the players here,” Lampard told the Coventry Telegraph on Tuesday (page 37).
Leeds may be interested in signing Ben Sheaf this summer.
Coventry City captain Sheaf is a defensive-minded midfielder who has been one of the finest in the Championship for several seasons. The 26-year-old has just entered the final 18 months of his deal.
Leeds appear to have plenty of holding midfielders. Ampadu and Gruev are strong alternatives, and Tanaka can fill that defensive role even if the Japanese star joins as a box-to-box player.
| Name | Leeds contract expires | Leeds appearances this season (starts) |
| Ethan Ampadu | June 2027 | 14 (11) |
| Ao Tanaka | June 2028 | 23 (18) |
| Joe Rothwell | Leeds deal: June 2025 Bournemouth deal: June 2026 |
25 (17) |
| Josuha Guilavogui | June 2025 | 9 (0) |
| Ilia Gruev | June 2027 | 8 (8) |
| Charlie Crew | June 2028 | 1 (0) |
Guilavogui, like Ampadu, can play as a defensive midfielder or centre defender. However, it is possible that Leeds intends to sign Sheaf in the summer, or that Ampadu is considered a central defender.
The latter is improbable, given Farke’s use of him in midfield. But Guilavogui’s contract expires in the summer, Rothwell is just on loan as Crew struggles to get into the team, and Gruev may find a similar situation very soon.
Leeds may need central midfielders after Guilavogui and Rothwell go, as well as Gruev and Crew, in the summer, and Sheaf has been highlighted as a potential recruit for the 25-26 season.
