Nathaniel Chalobah
Nathaniel Chalobah in action for Chelsea during pre-season. [Reuters] Reuters

Leeds United boss Brian McDermott is planning to use the January transfer window to further strengthen his midfield options as he looks to secure a loan deal for Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah.

The England Under-21 international is currently on loan at Championship rivals Nottingham Forest but is due to return to Chelsea in the New Year and Leeds are hoping they can convince the west London club to once again allow the midfielder to join a Championship club.

Chalobah has had mixed results at Forest as he has struggled to nail down a permanent spot in midfield. However, while his spell at the City Ground has been somewhat underwhelming, he proved last season while playing for Watford that he could make a huge impact.

The 18-year-old was a regular starter under Gianfranco Zola and helped the side finish third in the league before they ultimately missed out on promotion after losing to Crystal Palace in the final.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho decided to once again send the young midfielder out on loan and the Mirror report that Leeds are hopeful that they will be able to secure his services in January for the remainder of the season.

Leeds currently sit one place below Forest in eighth but will be hoping they can enjoy a successful second half to the season and secure a place in the top six.

McDermott initially found it hard to attract players to Elland Road over the course of the summer but will be hoping that in January he will be able to significantly strengthen.

He has already landed Dexter Blackstock from Forest but will hope that Chalobah can arrive and rediscover the form that saw him become one of the most instrumental players for Watford.

It is unlikely that Chelsea will prevent the youngster from leaving Stamford Bridge in January as Mourinho already has plenty of options in central midfield.