A defeat to Stoke City reduced Leeds United’s four-point buffer to one over second-placed Norwich City in the Championship standings. They have 18 games left this term to secure a top-flight return after 15 long years in the wilderness, but they must not let it slip through the grasp after getting this close.
Marcelo Bielsa, the charismatic Leeds boss, is well aware of his side’s limitations due to the ever-growing injury concern. He has highlighted the necessity of reinforcements and is now linked with a move for the promising Wolves winger Ivan Cavaleiro, according to The Sun.
The Whites have already roped in custodian Kiko Casilla from Real Madrid. They are also in the hunt for a wide attacker to add strength as well as quality in their attacking third.
Cavaleiro, 25, was pivotal in Wolves’ Premier League promotion the previous term having netted nine goals in 42 Championship outings. But his game time has been significantly less this season following the arrival of Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore. He has found the net thrice this term but must be seeking regular minutes at this stage of his career.
Although predominantly a right winger, Cavaleiro has been instrumental on the left as well. The attacker had spells with Benfica and Monaco before completing a transfer to the Molineux back in the summer of 2016 for a then club-record fee. His pace, crossing and dribbling traits along with shooting and set-piece skills are troublesome for the opponents to deal with. But he needs to perform week in week out to flourish at this stage of his career.
According to The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Phil Hay, Leeds are also lining up a bid for Swansea City starlet Daniel James. He, however, is too young to have much of an influence this season and the success of Cavaleiro in familiar surroundings would indeed help the Whites meet their season objective of promotion to the Premier League.
Despite impressing down the right flank, veteran Pablo Hernandez is being deployed in a central role to cope with the egress of Samuel Saiz and Lewis Baker. The pressure is immense on the youngsters, particularly Jack Clarke and Jack Harrison who are operating from the wings.
Leeds are so far leading the promotion race due to Bielsa’s managerial masterclass. But they must not risk it now and should look to upgrade this window to ensure direct promotion after years of anguish and despair.
