Leeds United have been searching for a left back ever since the departure of Charlie Taylor. The youngster rejected a new contract at the Elland Road and has joined Burnley a few days ago. Thomas Christiansen has been looking for a suitable player to feature on the left side and it seems he has at last found the missing piece in the jigsaw puzzle.
According to reports, Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is very close to joining the club on loan. The 20-year-old has agreed to terms with the Championship club and is due to undergo a medical. Also, from what we can understand Manchester United wants to impose a penalty clause in the scenario Cameron Borthwick-Jackson does not play enough games for Leeds United.
Done Deal: Cameron Borthwick-Jackson joining Leeds United imminently. Season long loan. #LUFC #MUFC (1/2)
— The 4th Official (@Official_T4O) August 3, 2017
There is a penalty clause to be inserted by Man United in the scenario Cameron Borthwick-Jackson does not play enough games. (2/2)
— The 4th Official (@Official_T4O) August 3, 2017
He hasn’t been a part of United’s travelling contingent sparking speculation about his future. He had a disastrous spell with Wolves last season but Mourinho recalled the defender in January as the Old Trafford outfit were going through a sort of defensive crisis.
The youngster broke into the senior setup in the 2015/16 season under the tutelage of former manager Louis Van Gaal and went on to appear 14 times for the Premier League giants.
The 20-year-old needs some regular game time to develop his skills and the Elland Road outfit could be the perfect club for him to prosper. Mourinho has mostly used Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian on the left-hand side and the latter has been pretty impressive on the pre-season tour.
Leeds are likely to start this season without a proper left back. Gaetano Berardi can be a decent option in this position but Christiansen doesn’t want to leave anything to chance and thus the signing of the 20-year-old does make sense. He is expected to complete his signing in time so that he would be able to feature in the opening match against Bolton Wanderers.
Leeds and Manchester United are traditional rivals and a number of players have switched their allegiance to Old Trafford from Elland Road in the last few decades. Alan Smith, Rio Ferdinand and Eric Cantona all moved to Manchester and had stupendous success at the club.
A product of the Manchester United academy, Borthwick-Jackson can also be a decent cover for Pontus Jansson who is suspended for the first two games. Jose Mourinho would be hoping to witness rapid development of the player so that if needed he can recall the player in an emergency situation.
An announcement could be made anytime soon as Leeds are expected to get the paperwork done soon.
