Leeds United could 'push the boat out' and bring exciting talent to Elland Road thanks to the growing influence of 49ers Enterprises, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Jesse Marsch, who was appointed as the Whites' head coach in February, will be handed the opportunity to bolster his squad for the first time since taking charge when the summer window opens for business.

Who have Leeds been linked with?

According to MailOnline, Nottingham Forest attacker Brennan Johnson has emerged as a target and Leeds will make a move if they maintain their Premier League status and the 20-year-old's current employers are denied promotion from the Championship.

The report suggests Leeds will face competition from long-term admirers Brentford and Newcastle United for the nine-cap Wales international's signature.

Another youngster currently plying his trade in the second tier who has worked his way onto the Whites' radar is Bristol City's Alex Scott, with the Yorkshire giants reportedly sending scouts to watch the 18-year-old in action.

Leeds are understood to be stepping up their interest in RB Leipzig central defender Josko Gvardiol after the Premier League outfit came close to signing the 10-cap Croatia international nearly two years ago.

Marsch has also been keen to link-up with two fellow Americans in Brenden Aaronson and Sergino Dest, currently of Red Bull Salzburg and Barcelona respectively.

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What has Dean Jones said about the situation?

Jones believes Leeds' big-money investors are keen for the Whites to splash the cash ahead of next season getting underway.

The transfer insider feels 49ers Enterprises will also be pushing for Marsch to ensure the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha stay at Elland Road.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "They're still waiting to find out exactly what the American investors have in mind for them.

"There is a feeling that they want them to push the boat out a little bit with the current squad and make sure that the core of the squad remain."

Why do 49ers Enterprises have a say?

Shortly before the turn of the year, The Athletic revealed that 49ers Enterprises have a deal in place to buy Leeds for in excess of £400million.

The report suggests the Elland Road outfit will be under new ownership within the next two years as the NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers’ investment arm are set to gain 100 per cent control of the Premier League club by January 2024.

The American investors increased their number of shares to 44 per cent following negotiations last November.

Paraag Marathe, the group’s president, was installed as Leeds’ vice-chairman after their stake shot up to 37 per cent earlier in the year.