Manchester City could be facing a very different future if their ongoing financial case eventually results in a punishment that sees them relegated from the Premier League.
There is obviously no guarantee that will happen, but it is a scenario that has been discussed extensively given the seriousness of the charges facing the club.
If City do end up dropping out of the Premier League, their squad could look very different afterwards.
Some of their biggest names would inevitably attract interest from clubs around Europe, while City could also be forced to make difficult decisions over players who would otherwise be considered part of their long-term plans.
That could give Leeds United an opportunity.
The Whites have already done business with City this summer, bringing James Trafford to Elland Road, and another City player could potentially become a realistic target if circumstances change.
Leeds would obviously have to be selective. They could not simply pick players from City’s squad and expect them to be available.
But three names could make sense.
Read More: Man City verdict could open unexpected door for Leeds amid £800m claim
Rico Lewis
Rico Lewis would be an interesting option for Leeds.
The 21-year-old has already accumulated plenty of experience at the highest level, and his versatility could make him particularly attractive to Daniel Farke.
Lewis can play at full-back but can also move into midfield, giving his manager another tactical option.
That versatility could help Leeds, particularly given how Farke has been using his wing-backs and midfielders.
He might not walk straight into the starting XI, but a player who can cover several positions would give Leeds another useful weapon over a long Premier League season.
The biggest obstacle would probably be competition. Even if City were relegated, Lewis would be the sort of player plenty of clubs would want.
Abdukodir Khusanov
Khusanov could be another player Leeds look at if City suddenly need to trim their squad.
The Uzbekistan international has already tasted Premier League football and brings plenty of pace and physicality to the centre of defence.
That is an attractive combination for any Premier League side.
Leeds already have several options at centre-back, so this may not be a signing they need.
But the situation could change if a player of Khusanov’s quality became available.
His ability to defend space behind the back line could also make him a useful option for Farke, particularly against sides looking to hit Leeds on the counter-attack.
At 22, there would also be plenty of scope for further development.
Nico O’Reilly
Nico O’Reilly is perhaps the most interesting name on the list.
The young midfielder has come through City’s academy and is starting to establish himself in the first team.
His versatility is again a major attraction. O’Reilly can operate in midfield but can also play in more advanced positions, giving him the flexibility to fit into different systems.
Leeds already have plenty of competition in the middle of the pitch, with Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff and Ilia Gruev among the options available to Farke.
But O’Reilly would offer something slightly different, particularly with his ability to carry the ball and contribute in the final third.
His age would also make him an appealing long-term investment rather than simply a short-term solution.
A rare opportunity for Leeds
It would take an extraordinary set of circumstances for Leeds to have the chance to sign Manchester City players.
A relegation would not automatically put City’s squad up for sale, and the club would still be in a strong position when negotiating for many of their players.
Clubs with considerably greater financial resources than Leeds would also compete.
But the Whites have already shown that they are willing to look towards the Etihad, with Trafford moving to Elland Road this summer.
If City are ultimately relegated as part of their punishment, Leeds could find themselves looking at that market again.
Lewis, Khusanov and O’Reilly would all be interesting options, although any deal would depend on City’s valuation, the players’ preferences and interest from elsewhere.
