Leeds United must send scouts to watch PEC Zwolle star and Sem Steijn, here's why | OneFootball

Football League World looks at two players Leeds United should be looking at ahead of the January transfer window

Leeds United are vying to make their Premier League return at the second time of asking following their relegation from the top-flight in 2023, after losing out in the Championship play-off final last term.

The Whites have shown that they are capable of achieving automatic promotion this time around – battling at the top of the table and besting promotion rivals, including a 2-0 win over Sheffield United back in October.

But the likes of the Blades, as well as Sunderland and Burnley will also fancy their chances of obtaining a top-two spot come the end of the campaign, so the Whites' resolve could be tested right down to the wire.

Amid a highly competitive battle for a place in next season's Premier League, Football League World take a look at two players who Leeds should send scouts to watch ahead of the upcoming January transfer window:

Sem Steijn

FC Twente star Sem Steijn has established a reputation as one of the best players in the Eredivisie in recent years, as he produced a strong return of 17 goals and three assists in 34 Dutch top-flight outings last term, during a season in which he also scored two goals in four UEFA Conference League outings.

He is one of the top scorers in the Eredivisie this season, further proving his increasingly promising eye for goal, while he also scored for his club during Champions League qualification last summer.

The Whites should keep a close eye on Steijn, as the attacking midfielder could prove to be a worthy long-term replacement for Georginio Rutter, who left Elland Road in favour of joining Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of the current campaign.

So far, Daniel Farke's men have coped well with Rutter's exit, thanks to the positive contributions of USA international Brenden Aaronson, who has scored important goals such as a strike which sealed a 2-1 win over Watford in October.

But as we approach the business end of the Championship season, the Whites will want even more quality among their ranks, which is something Steijn could provide.

Furthermore, the 23-year-old could be a great recruit with next season's potential Premier League campaign in mind, as Aaronson struggled in the top-flight back in 2022/23, as he managed just one goal and three assists in 36 appearances.

While Steijn could be wary of leaving Twente, for whom he currently plays in the Europa League, in favour of joining a second tier side, he could be tempted by the very real prospect of promotion to the Premier League.

Anselmo Garcia MacNulty

Another player currently plying his trade in the Eredivisie the Whites should be keeping tabs on is Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, who plays for PEC Zwolle.

Farke's current left-back options include Junior Firpo and Sam Byram, who are both attacking full-backs, whereas Garcia MacNulty, who can play at centre-back or on the left of a back four, could help provide a more defensive option in that area.

Furthermore, Firpo's four-year contract, which he signed back in 2021, comes to an end this summer, meaning that he could potentially leave Elland Road in a matter of months.

According to TeamTalk, the Dominican Republic international could be interested in moving to La Liga side Real Betis, if he does not feel as though the Whites have a realistic chance of promotion.

While Farke's men are going well in the second tier, the addition of Garcia MacNulty could bolster their promotion chances, which could tempt Firpo to stay.

Garcia MacNulty, meanwhile, would add some much-needed depth ahead of next season if the Whites do earn promotion, while if Firpo leaves, the 21-year-old could be an adequate replacement.

Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo revealed last summer that the West Yorkshire outfit were keen on the Zwolle man, but Farke should deploy scouts to keep tabs on him ahead of making any potential decision in January.