Leeds United ‘made an inquiry’ regarding Leicester City forward Ayoze Perez in the early stages of the January transfer window, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport.

The west Yorkshire outfit have enjoyed a productive month so far and could still look to make some last-minute additions to Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad.

Leeds United transfer news – Ayoze Perez

Jacobs recently informed GMS that Perez was ‘one name to keep an eye on’ in terms of potential incomings with regards to Leeds as they look to bolster their forward line for the second half of the season.

The Whites have already welcomed Georginio Rutter to the club after completing a record £35 million deal with Hoffenheim for his services this winter.

Yet Perez may still be on Leeds’ radar due to Patrick Bamford’s recent injury record and the uncertainty surrounding the future of winger Jack Harrison.

And with just six months remaining on his current contract at the King Power Stadium, Leeds could pick up the 29-year-old for a bargain fee, especially given he cost Leicester £30 million back in 2019.

Perez has racked up just 27 goal contributions in 114 appearances for the Foxes across all competitions, but his versatility may be especially appealing to Marsch.

What has Jacobs said about Perez?

Jacobs has disclosed that Leeds have left their interest in Perez ‘on the back-burner’ this month and may be tempted to revive their pursuit ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

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

In an interview with GMS, he said: “Leeds actually made an inquiry early in the window but didn't follow up on it.

“And it's again a classic example of a club that perhaps just leave something on the back-burner and then maybe is persuaded to move late in the window.”

Do Leeds need Perez?

With Rutter now at the club, Leeds suddenly appear to be relatively well-stocked in the final third of the pitch.

The 20-year-old will provide cover and competition for the likes of Bamford, Wilfried Gnonto and Rodrigo upfront, while Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Crysencio Summerville and Brenden Aaronson battle for minutes out wide.

Therefore, it is understandable that snapping up Perez has not been a priority for Leeds and Marsch over the last few weeks.

Nevertheless, given the fact that Perez will surely be available for a cut-price fee, the Leeds hierarchy may view his potential signing as an opportunity too good to turn down.