Leeds United are prepared to offer Chelsea outcast Axel Disasi a January escape route with a potential loan deal.
Daniel Farke’s in-form side have given themselves a solid platform for Premier League survival with Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland stretching their unbeaten run to five games.
They currently sit in 16th, seven points above West Ham who occupy 18th spot but face Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle in their next three matches.
Leeds’ impressive run of results has seen Farke go from favourite in the Premier League sack race to a 14/1 outside chance.
Leeds looking to strengthen in January
According to Football Insider, Leeds will look to add defensive cover by exploring the possibility of bringing Disasi to Elland Road until the end of the season.
Disasi is free to leave Chelsea, having fallen out of favour in Enzo Maresca’s plans.
He’s yet to make a competitive appearance this season, having returned from a loan spell with Aston Villa in the second half of last campaign.
Farke also saw Joe Rodon limp off injured in the 1-1 draw against Sunderland, although the severity of his injury is still unknown.
Leeds have conceded 32 goals in 18 games this season, and Farke will want to tighten up at the back to help ensure they keep away from the drop zone.
A loan switch to another Premier League club appears the most likely destination for Disasi.
That is because they’ve already maximised the six international loans allowed, meaning they will have to recall one player if a European club wants to lure him away from Stamford Bridge.
Raheem Sterling transfer latest
Alongside Disasi, team-mate Raheem Sterling is another Chelsea player left in Maresca’s bomb squad and may look to force a move in January.
Sterling’s situation is a little more complicated by the fact that he doesn’t want to unsettle his family in London.
He’s also taking home around £325,000-a-week and no club would be willing to fork out such a large percentage to cover his wage packet.
The England international hasn’t played competitive football since May, and he failed to rediscover any form while on loan at Arsenal last season.
That will only deter clubs from taking such a financial risk by signing Sterling.
Crystal Palace would appear the only logical move for both parties if a deal could be struck. The Eagles are struggling to deal with the demands of European football, and their league form is starting to suffer as a result.
They’ve lost their last three league games in a row and are without a victory in five in all competitions.
