Marcelo Bielsa will have a tough task in his hands if he is to take Leeds United to the top flight any time soon. The squad at Elland Road is not the best in the league and the Argentine manager is desperate to make sure that he has the quality needed to compete with the best in the league next season.
This has seen him linked with a number of stars but is struggling to land quite a few of them. One such player, who has slipped away from their grip is John Egan.
The Irish defender was a target for the Whites for a while but it is now reported that he has sealed a move to Sheffield United this summer. The 25-year old is versatile and could have been a real match winner at Elland Road but is not an option for Leeds any longer. Here are three players they should now look at, as alternatives for Egan:
Tosin Adarabioyo (Manchester City):
The 20-year old is yet to break into the senior side at the Etihad and with options galore at the back for Pep Guardiola in the first team, it might be time for Adarabioyo, who is showing progress by the game, to taste some first-team action. He was a transfer target for the club earlier this year and reports suggest that they have retained their interest in him even under Bielsa. He is a potential star and is a huge coup for the Whites.
Declan Rice (West Ham United):
The 19-year old has made a real impact on the senior side at West Ham already, making 31 appearances last season under David Moyes. He played in several roles, but showed maturity beyond his age, announcing himself to the league. However, he is in a standoff with the Hammers over a new deal and could be sold this summer. Leeds United could give him the lure of first-team chances and a pressure-free environment in the Championship, to try and solve their defensive problems for the next season.
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Lamine Kone (Sunderland):
While Egan was a potential star for years to come, Bielsa might be tempted to spend on a more established name in Lamine Kone. The 29-year old has faced two relegations in the last two seasons but has the quality to be an effective centre-half in the English game. He is an experienced player, who can walk into the first team and will also be available on the cheap, solving Bielsa’s problem instantly.
