According to HITC (feel free to cast doubt over the accuracy of the rumour), Premier League side Arsenal are willing to allow England Under-21 defender Rob Holding to leave the Emirates in January on a loan basis.

A report on HITC's website claims that Leeds, rivalled by Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa, are interested in bringing Holding, 21, to Elland Road in a January loan swoop.

The defender, who can function as a right-back in addition to his preferred central defensive role, joined the Gunners from recently relegated Bolton Wanderers in the summer for a sum to the tune of £2.5 million. Since his move, Holding has featured sporadically for Arsene Wenger's side, but the Frenchman is eager for his young prodigy to be farmed out on loan in order for him to garner useful experience by way of regular playing time.

In addition to United, Burnley and Hull City have been linked with moves for the defender, who prior to his summer switch had spent the entirety of his career contracted to Bolton, who presently languish in League One.

It is plausible that Wenger is keen for Holding to embark on the potentially enriching journey that a loan move may provide, but whether or not he'll opt for United is an entirely divergent question. After all, it is probable that should he move to Elland Road, he'd merely be little more than an auxiliary option to provide cover for the likes of Pontus Jansson, Kyle Bartley, and Luke Ayling, who have all been consistent performers with much regularity thus far this season.

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