Leeds United's interest in RB Salzburg midfielder Noah Okafor appears to be hotting up with the club touted as potentially exploring a January move.
The 22-year-old is seen as one of Europe's hottest prospects and has started the 22/23 campaign in blistering fashion over in Austria.
Finding the net six times as well as registering two assists so far, Okafor finished superbly in Salzburg's opening UEFA Champions League clash against AC Milan just last week.
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With a rumoured £30million price tag the fee Matthias Jaissle's side are said to be holding out for, Okafor is likely to feature against Chelsea in the Champions League with another stellar performance perhaps hinting which way his future could likely go.
A Swiss international too, here are some of the key things to know as Jesse Marsch's side continue to step up their interest in the former Basel forward.
Where has Noah Okafor played previously?
Beginning his career with Okafor with local team FC Arisdorf, Okafor's talents were spotted back in 2009, as he made the move to FC Basel where he continued through all the teams of their youth academy.
Making his debut back in May 2018, the then 18-year-old featured heavily in Basel's 18/19 campaign, scoring 5 goals mainly through substitute appearances. His big break would come a year later, as he made the move to Austria with RB Salzburg, where he continued to develop his game.
Fast forward two years and the attacking midfielder has hit 30 goals and laid on 20 assists in 89 appearances for Salzburg, with not only Leeds tracking the progress of Okafor heading into his third season with the Austrian outfit.
What position does Okafor play?
Capable of playing anywhere across the attack, Okafor is best suited to a centre forward or centre attacking midfield role. Suited to operating from a left-hand side, his finishing with his right makes it easy to cut into onto his right before finishing across the keeper.
With blistering pace, superb vision and strong dribbling abilities, it is hard to see how Okafor would not be suited to playing in the Premier League with most of his joy running at defenders in 1 on 1 situations. Physicality like most could prove tough with the demands the league brings tough for some.
What have people said about Okafor?
Speaking following his latest antics in the Champions League, agent Gianluca Di Domenico told Radio CRC: "He is one of the most interesting Swiss players. He was also decisive with the National team at the Olimpico. Anyone who has seen the match against Milan has certainly noticed his characteristics.
Known to also have admirers including Napoli, Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Newcastle United, January sure does present an interesting opportunity for the forward who could yet again make the step up he perhaps warrants.
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