The World Cup is now over and consigned to the history books as the anticipation ramps up for the return of the Premier League. Leeds United may have to wait another 10 days, but for most it's back to action a week tomorrow.
The Boxing Day games bring a sense of anticipation but also the reality that the transfer window is just a matter of days from being prised open for another month of wheeling and dealing. For Leeds, all indications are that means trying to get at least one deal done that they never got over the line in the summer.
The Whites were interested in signing George Hall from Birmingham City in the summer, but according to Mail Online they never reached a stage of being close to finalising the deal due to the money the Blues wanted for their talented teenager.
Read more: Jesse Marsch praised for what he did after Leeds United's win over Real Sociedad
While a deal wasn't done, Hall has remained firmly on Leeds' radar the past few months. The 18-year-old midfielder has been enjoying a good season with the Blues, starting five games with a further 13 off the bench, but that has attracted further interest. The England under-19 international was previously on the watchlist of Everton alongside Leeds, but now it appears the Toffees' Merseyside rivals are keen to get in on the action.
Liverpool's priority is to sign a former Birmingham Coty midfielder in Jude Bellingham as Jurgen Klopp tries to strengthen an aging midfield. Hall is seen as one for the future at Liverpool, and the possibility of playing alongside Bellingham would certainly be an attractive one for the young man from the second city.
Leeds are being tipped to return with a solid offer for Hall when the transfer window opens in less than two weeks' time.
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