James Wilson recently admitted that there is a strong possibility he will be loaned out by Manchester United in January amid growing reported interest from Leeds United.
The print edition of the Sunday Mirror (12 November) claim that under-pressure Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen wants new striker in the winter window and has placed Wilson and Liverpool’s Danny Ings top of his wanted list.
The Sunday Mirror #LUFC pic.twitter.com/pl2CjjmUYk
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It is said that Christiansen regards a forward signing as a priority even though United signed four front men in the summer window, three of them on permanent deals.
Wilson, 21, missed most of last season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament while on loan at Derby County.
He was the subject of intense interest in the summer only to remain at Old Trafford, but has admitted there is a strong possibility he will go out on loan when the January transfer window opens.
“I don’t see why not. Obviously, the summer transfer window has gone and there was a lot of interest,” Wilson told MUTV last month. “But the staff all came to an agreement that I would stay until January to build on what I’ve already worked for.
“So I think it’s certainly a possibility. We’ll just have to talk and have a few conversations with the manager and certain people around here. I’m not ruling it out but we’ll come to an agreement over what needs to be done.”
He is yet to turn out for the senior side under Jose Mourinho after suffering his knee injury 12 months ago, but has scored two goals in six appearances for the Under-23s this season.
OPINION
Leeds signed four strikers in the summer but only on-loan Pierre-Michel Lasogga has the trust of manager Christiansen. The other three – Caleb Ekuban, Pawel Cibicki and Jay-Roy Grot – have all looked too raw for the Championship and been given limited game time. It is clear that Leeds require a mobile front man who knows how to find the back of the net. England Under-21 international Wilson could fit the bill perfectly, as he is super quick, has excellent movement and is a clinical finisher. 2016-17 was a write-off for the Man United academy product but he has showed impressive signs for the development squad in recent weeks as he works his way back to full fitness. Don’t forget that Wilson also has four United senior goals to his name, from just 20 appearances, and was highly regarded by ex-manager Louis van Gaal. He could be a smart January acquisition.