According to the latest reports, Leeds United have been linked with a move for Luton Town’s right back James Justin. Leeds manager, Marcelo Bielsa was spotted in attendance to watch Luton Town take on Barnsley, and it has not been clear whether the gaffer was just there for watching a game or scouting some player. However, reports suggest that it is highly likely that United have been keeping track of James Justin whose side lost 3-2 on the day.
The West Yorkshire outfit have previously been linked with the 20-year-old right back, and Luton had to try tooth and nail to convince Justin to stay put at the club. Maybe a move in January could again be on the cards, and it would be interesting to see whether United would be able to get their man finally.
Some reports earlier suggested that Bielsa has identified three positions where he has wanted to strengthen his squad and defence was one of the areas. However, in our opinion, a centre-back is a much bigger priority than a fullback. But it is a fact that Bielsa has shown that he is ready to play fullbacks in centre back positions as he wants to have a ball playing defender, so maybe the former Chile manager has been looking at the youngster as a prospective centre back.
If Justin is not going to play as a centre back, then in our opinion this move doesn’t make much of a sense as Leeds have a decent amount of cover in that position. Luke Ayling has done quite well in bombing forward at every opportunity. As a backup option, Jamie Shackleton might be young, but he has potential. The gaffer can even opt for Gaetano Berardi to play as a right back, though Bielsa has so far used him in the centre back position.
Justin is the product of Luton Town academy, and he could be termed as a typical modern day fullback. The 20-year-old shows good pace, and his crossing abilities are also worth mentioning. He has even been tried as a right midfielder because of his attacking outlet. The young fullback shows good composure on the ball, and one can say that the right-back has a bright future ahead of him. It remains to be seen where that future would be and whether the Whites would go after him hard in January.
Maybe Bielsa was there just to watch the game and enjoy football. After all, this is the guy who is obsessive about the game and before taking up the top job at Elland Road, he had watched every game of Leeds United from the previous season. So for someone like Bielsa visiting and watching a game of football shouldn’t be too big a matter.
