Despite multiple injuries, Leeds United have climbed up to the leading spot of the Championship standings following a narrow 1-0 win against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon. The influence of iconic Marcelo Bielsa has been immense. However, the Whites might require a reshuffle in their squad to seal a Premier League return after years of disappointment.
Unsettled Samuel Saiz has been permitted to return to his homeland due to his wife’s pregnancy which would leave a massive void in the middle of the park, particularly in an advanced attacking slot. Although Izzy Brown is closing in on returning to action after a long injury layoff, the gaffer should look for reinforcements in the winter transfer window to avoid a meltdown in the final months.
BetVictor suggests Leeds are in contention of getting a deal done for Adam Reach from Sheffield Wednesday as reported by Leeds Live. He is listed at 8/1 to join their Yorkshire rivals behind Premier League outfits Wolverhampton Wanderers (4/1), Cardiff City (5/1), Huddersfield Town (6/1).
The former Middlesbrough youth prodigy scored a screamer against Bielsa’s juggernaut in September’s 1-1 draw at Hillsborough and has found the net six times already this season for the Owls who are having a dreadful run in Championship football.
The 25-year-old former England youth international features on the left flank, predominantly as a winger but has also been impressive as a left-back or left wingback. His inclusion would provide Ezgjan Alioski with a much-needed competition down the wings following a series of underwhelming display in recent weeks. Also, Reach could be deployed as a fullback in the absence of Barry Douglas who had his fitness concerns earlier this season.
Leeds, meanwhile, are also tipped for a move for Leicester City outcast Andy King, the 30-year-old Wales international who has found his gametime limited since the appointment of Claude Puel as the new Foxes boss. But the odds (from BetVictor) imply there are a host of other clubs leading the race to sign the midfield general who is expected to depart in January for regular minutes.
The presence of Adam Forshaw, Mateusz, Klich, Kalvin Phillips and Lewis Baker ensures that there is enough strength and depth in the middle of the park. Therefore, roping in King should not be the topmost priority at this stage. The Whites should rather step up their interest in Reach who would be a better fit in El Loco’s set-up that demands flexibility as well as versatility to execute his tactical mastery going forward.
