Daniel Farke’s search for midfield reinforcements at Leeds United continues.
Leeds have five first team players who can play in the double pivot in midfield. So far, two have played more than 13 games and the rest have featured in less than 10. Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have started consecutive games since the injuries to other key midfielders. Ethan Ampadu picked up a knee injury against Coventry in September, and right in the next game, Illia Gruev also joined him on the sidelines. The midfield situation got so bad that the club had to sign 34-year old free agent Josuha Guilavogui on a free.
The veteran Frenchman has played just 29 minutes since he joined in October. With Ampadu and Gruev not expected to be back in first team action until the end of the year, Leeds have been looking in the transfer market.
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Their search for midfield depth has lead them to Manchester City midfielder James McAtee. Pep Guardiola is reportedly still considering if he should allow the midfielder to leave in January. McAtee has had first team minutes this season, but is yet to start a Premier League game even with the club in poor form. Leeds made an official approach for the 22-year old, but will have to fight off competition from the likes of Fulham, West Ham, Celtic and Rangers.
Former Leeds United man Paul Robinson believes Leeds can sign the youngster on loan:
“Massively. He’d be a huge signing for Leeds but I don’t think they’ll get him. There are other teams who are in for him, such as West Ham and Fulham. A lot of Premier League teams are taking a look.
“Leeds have thrown their hat in the ring and I think that would be a great signing. If they can pull it off, it would be a real coup. I can’t see it being a permanent signing in January. It’s more likely to be a loan.”
Robinson has tipped McAtee to follow a similar path to Cole Palmer who left and became one of the best Premier League players at Chelsea last season.
“Manchester City have proven before that they will sell their own players, though. Just look at Cole Palmer. One reason is for PSR, and the second is that they realise their youngster need to play.
“James McAtee is no different to that. He had two great spells at Sheffield United and, even with all the injuries that Man City have, he still hasn’t had an opportunity in the first team this season.”
Leeds are also reportedly targeting Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.
