Leeds United are in the market for a midfielder after injury issues derailed their plans earlier this season.
Ethan Ampadu and Illia Gruev sustained major injuries which kept them out for over two months. The injuries meant summer signings Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka had to step in. But Leeds were still light in midfield, which led to Daniel Farke giving the green light for a move to sign free agent Josuha Guilavogui.
Despite their absences in midfield, Leeds have had a great start to the season. The Whites sit in third place in the championship, just three points behind league leaders Sunderland. Leeds are one point behind second placed Sheffield United, with a game in hand.
After news that one transfer target is set to stay at his club, let us assess some midfield alternatives for Leeds United this January.
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Kalvin Phillips – Ipswich Town (on loan from Man City)
Even though the midfielder has started all the games he has played in the Premier League, there are reports that Ipswich Town club officials are not happy with his physical conditioning. This could open the way for a move for Leeds United.
A midfielder who knows the club and can play in different midfield structures would be an ideal fit under Daniel Farke.
Tyler Morton – Liverpool
The young midfielder has only featured in two games for the Liverpool first team this season. Morton will find it increasingly difficult to break into the first team after how well the midfielders have played under Arne Slot.
The 22-year old impressed on his loan spell with Hull City in the championship last year; scoring 3 goals and providing 5 assists. Morton was attracting interest in the summer, but no club made a formal offer.
Panathinaikos F.C. v Chelsea UEFA Europa Conference League Cesare Casadei of Chelsea during the UEFA Europa Conference League match at the Olympic Stadium of Athens, Marousi UK Newspapers OUT Copyright: xYannisxHalasx FIL-20821-0069
Cesare Casadei – Chelsea
Another midfielder who has failed to play games in a good team. Chelsea have been great under Enzo Maresca, but with the options in midfield, Casadei finds himself as low as the 6th choice option.
The Italian had a short spell in the championship, but showed his quality as he came off the bench to provide a goalscoring threat for Leicester City.
Andy Irving – West Ham
Irving had 9 goals and 4 assists in the Austrian Bundesliga last season, but has made just three premier league appearances off the bench.
The 24-year old is an impressive box to box midfielder, and clubs would jump at the chance to sign him on loan.
