According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, hilariously named midfielder Casper Sloth has emerged as a prime target for Leeds United.The Whites are in desperate need of reinforcements, having claimed just three points and found the net only once in their three opening Championship fixtures.And it appears the Denmark international has resultantly shot to the forefront of Massimo Cellino’s transfer plans. But we at Football Fancast have our doubts, in no small part due to the fact the creative midfielder is the namesake of perhaps the laziest, slowest and gluttonous animal known to man.Thus, being the lovely bunch we are, here’s FIVE alternatives to Casper Sloth that the Elland Road outfit should be considering.

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NICK POWELL

Allegiances to the ancient enemy aside, Manchester United’s Nick Powell would be a sensational signing for Leeds.

The highly-rated 20 year-old impressed in the Championship last year during a term-long stay with Wigan, as viewable below, also finding three goals in the Europa League:

The highlight of his Latics stay was this sensational goal against Bolton:

Here’s another look at Powell in action:

The former Crewe kid would not only solve Leeds’ need for a creative central midfielder, but capable of playing as an out-and-out striker or a No.10, would furthermore significantly add to David Hockaday’s options in attack.

Football League World speculate that the Whites have already made enquiries regarding Powell’s availability, having missed out on Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the USA.

But he’s been hotly linked with Nottingham Forest this month, so there will be competition for his signature:

DAVIDE DI GENNARO

Another creative midfielder that’s reportedly come Leeds’ way this summer is Palermo man Davide Di Gennaro.

The 26 year-old is a bit of a journeyman, having represented no less than nine clubs since 2007, but his pedigree is without question – he’s a product of the AC Milan youth system and boasts 25 caps for Italy across the youth levels.

Finding goals from midfield is a vital part of Di Gennaro’s game, having netted 21 times in his last 80 league outings. Take this stunning strike against Grosseto for example:

The Italian helped Palermo clinch the Serie B title last term, but Massimo Cellino reportedly remains undecided on the former San Siro starlet.

Andrew Surman

Norwich City midfielder Andrew Surman finds himself in transfer limbo this summer, with first team opportunities at Carrow Road seemingly slim for the coming campaign.

But the 28 year-old comes with a strong reputation in the lower tiers, throughout spells with Southampton, Bournemouth, Walsall and the Canaries.

Last term he produced impressive form on loan to Dean Court, as detailed below:

But Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe revealed earlier this summer that talks over a permanent switch are yet to take place, giving the Whites a fantastic opportunity to weigh in.

The former England U21 can play wide left or centrally and is famed for his quality on the ball. He pops up with the occasional goal too, such as this strike against Manchester City:

And although Norwich boss Neil Adams claims Surman will be going nowhere this summer, with just a year left on his contract, it’s likely the midfielder can be prized away for a fair price.

OWEN GARVAN

The immediate future of Crystal Palace midfielder Owen Garvan remains undecided, having been left out of the Eagles’ pre-season tour squad and allowed to train with former club Ipswich.

The former Republic of Ireland U21 was once an important player in the Palace first team, contributing an impressive four goals and seven assists in 28 appearances amid the 2012/13 Championship campaign that saw the South Londoners promoted to the top flight.

But he fell out with Ian Holloway at the start of last season and was subsequently left out of Palaces registered 25-man squad. Tony Pulis didn’t appear to warm to the 26 year-old too much either, and rather miraculously, sent him out on loan to Millwall (now lead by Ian Holloway) in February.

Resultantly, Garvan is likely available for peanuts this summer, all the more so considering his contract expires at the end of the season.

The Irishman is a silky yet industrious midfielder who has bagged ten league goals in 78 outings for Palace – many of them from the penalty spot. Here’s a look at Garvan strutting his stuff:

GAEL BIGIRIMANA

There was once a time when Gael Bigirimana was considered to be one of English football’s most impressive prospects.

In 2012 he won the Championship Apprentice of the Year award for his performances at Coventry City, soon paving the way for a big-money move to Newcastle United.

It’s safe to say however that things haven’t gone too well for the 20 year-old on Tyneside, and harrowing summaries of his current plight are not hard to find.

But Bigirimana’s quality is hard to ignore, and 13 appearances at Premier League level, no matter how brief or disappointing, is a major advantage for any youngster in the second tier.

The Rwanda-born midfielder also found one goal in the top flight – the below strike against Wigan – which is another testament to his pedigree:

Still as far from the Newcastle first team as ever, having featured just once in all competitions last term, it’s likely the Magpies would be willing to part with the former Coventry starlet permanently this summer.