Leeds United are likely to sign a backup midfielder for Kalvin Phillips in the January transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Lowdown: Lack of midfield depth
The Whites have suffered a number of key injury problems so far this season, with the likes of Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford missing for long periods.
Even Phillips hasn’t quite been an ever-present in the middle of the park, starting 12 of his side’s 15 Premier League matches.
There have been a lack of options in that area, especially with Robin Koch a long-term absentee, and the need for reinforcements there is clear.
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The Latest: Journalist makes transfer claim
Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke claimed it appears likely that a new No.6 will come into Leeds’ squad next month, in order to provide more depth:
“From what I’m hearing, they might bring in a No.6 midfield cover in January, somebody to provide some backup to Kalvin Phillips with Adam Forshaw just returning from injury. So probably a more defensive midfielder or central midfielder rather than an attacking one.”
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The Verdict: Makes perfect sense
Leeds don’t need to make wholesale signings in January, especially now Ayling and Bamford are fit again, but midfield is certainly a position that needs to be strengthened.
Phillips went off with a knock in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at home to Brentford, while Adam Forshaw has only recently returned from a two-year injury absence.
Someone like Cagliari and Uruguay enforcer Nahitan Nandez would be perfect, with the Leeds-linked man averaging two tackles and 2.6 aerial wins per game in Serie A this season, compared to Phillips’ 2.3 and 0.8 in the Premier League, respectively.
In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a loan move for one player. Find out who it is here.