Leeds United could pull off a 'big deal' as they have been 'in talks over a possible move' for Angers star Azzedine Ounahi to Elland Road, journalist Pete O'Rourke has told GiveMeSport.
Whites boss Jesse Marsch may still look to freshen up his squad ahead of the January transfer window slamming shut at the end of the month.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
Leeds transfer news - Azzedine Ounahi
According to 90min, Leeds have attempted to fight off stiff competition for Ounahi's signature by increasing their offer to £21.8million.
However, the report suggests the Yorkshire outfit's latest proposal has still fallen short of Angers' £26million asking price and a deal will not be sanctioned if it fails to involve the central midfielder remaining with his current employers on loan for the remainder of the season.
Leeds are understood to be seriously keen on Ounahi and are genuinely considering upping the ante as they aim to reach a compromise.
But the Whites are not the 22-year-old's only admirer as transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GiveMeSport that numerous clubs will be mulling over whether to test Angers' resolve after a string of impressive performances at the World Cup.
In an interview with Sport Mediaset, via TEAMtalk, Napoli director of sport Cristiano Giuntoli has revealed the Serie A side are optimistic of beating Leeds and other suitors to Ounahi's signature.
What has Pete O'Rourke said about Ounahi?
O'Rourke understands Leeds have been in discussions over potentially swooping for Ounahi, but Angers are seeking a lucrative fee.
The journalist believes the Morocco international's price tag has increased following his exploits at the World Cup, which has resulted in widespread interest.
O'Rourke told GiveMeSport: "I think it'll have to be a big deal. They've been in talks over a possible move but have been unable to agree any fee with Angers right now.
"Obviously, Angers are going to be looking for a big-money offer considering how well the player performed for Morocco at the World Cup, so that will raise his price tag and also other clubs interested in his services, with Napoli keen to do a deal."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Would Ounahi improve Leeds?
According to FBref, Ounahi has averaged more shots and shots on target, along with a better pass completion rate, than current Leeds midfield duo Marc Roca and Tyler Adams per 90 minutes so far this season.
That suggests the Angers man could be an upgrade on the pair, who are on contracts worth a combined £105,000-per-week following their respective moves to Elland Road last summer.
Ounahi also showed at the World Cup that he can be a serious presence in front of the back four as, en route to the semi-finals, Sofascore statistics show the Moroccan averaged 1.3 tackles and one interception per outing.
His performances on the sport's biggest stage resulted in The Guardian journalist Ed Aarons labelling him a 'superstar'.
With Mateusz Klich leaving Leeds in favour of a move to Major League Soccer, Marsch should strengthen his midfield options by drafting in Ounahi.
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