Leeds United are trying to persuade Angers into sanctioning 'top target' Azzedine Ounahi's move to Elland Road, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

Whites boss Jesse Marsch could strengthen his squad further ahead of the January window slamming shut in the coming days.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Leeds transfer news - Azzedine Ounahi

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs recently told GiveMeSport that Leeds may have to pay up to £35million if they want to get a deal over the line for Ounahi ahead of the fast-approaching transfer deadline.

The respected journalist is aware that Marsch is an admirer of the Morocco international, but Angers are looking for an inflated fee after impressing at the World Cup.

Leeds are understood to be seriously keen on Ounahi and, as a result, they are eager to reach an agreement with his current employers.

The Yorkshire outfit have tested Angers' resolve and lodged an improved bid worth £22million, but the proposal fell short of the Ligue 1 side's expectations and they also want the central midfielder to remain in France until the end of the campaign.

Leeds are facing competition from Serie A table-toppers Napoli, who are optimistic of winning the race for Ounahi after holding frequent discussions with his entourage.

What has Dean Jones said about Ounahi?

Jones understands that Ounahi remains Leeds' number one target despite being frustrated in their initial efforts to complete a deal.

But the journalist has warned that it may be difficult for the Whites to get their man as they are locked in tough negotiations with Angers, who are standing firm.

When asked about Marsch's remaining transfer plans, Jones told GiveMeSport: "Ounahi is still a top target for Leeds.

"From what I hear, they are still trying to persuade Angers to let him out but, at the moment, it’s hard to tell whether it’ll happen."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Would Ounahi be a good signing for Leeds?

There is no doubt that Ounahi would give Leeds' backline additional protection as, according to Sofascore, he averaged 1.3 tackles and one interception per outing at the World Cup.

The 22-year-old's performances in Qatar resulted in The Guardian journalist Ed Aarons labelling him a ‘superstar’, highlighting that he has a bright future ahead of him.

It should come as no surprise that Angers are desperate to keep hold of Ounahi as he has been handed the squad's third highest average match rating, of 6.72, by WhoScored in Ligue 1 this season.

He is clearly a consistently high performer and, amid all of the uncertainty over his long-term future, the Moroccan has been handed 15 appearances since the campaign got underway.

Ounahi is not afraid to get forward, with FBref data showing he averages more shots per 90 minutes than midfield duo Marc Roca and Tyler Adams, so Leeds would profit from his all-action displays.

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