OPINION
Whoever is in charge of Leeds United this summer, whether that be Paul Heckingbottom or his replacement, has a massive task on their hands to revamp their flagging squad.
A 2-1 defeat to Norwich City on Saturday condemned the Whites to their 20th league loss of the season, with Heckingbottom having won just three of his 15 games in charge.
It has been a season to forget for Leeds, and they will need a miracle this summer if this squad is to be transformed into one that can mount a sustained title challenge.
If that is to happen, then there must be some inspired work done in the transfer window from director of football Victor Orta and whoever is manager, with owner Andrea Radrizzani unlikely to have massive funds to spend.
That will likely mean that Leeds will have to dip into the loan market to fashion a promotion-winning squad, with several brilliant young talents available on temporary deals.
As reported by The Sun, Chelsea prodigy Mason Mount is set to be available for another loan spell after spending the season on loan in the Netherlands with Vitesse Arnhem.
The newspaper claim that Ajax are looking at the 19-year-old attacking midfielder, as are Sporting Lisbon and Werder Bremen, with several Premier League clubs also interested.
It is said that there are also multiple Championship clubs interested in the young starlet, and Leeds would do well to be among that number come the summer.
Mount has scored eight goals and provided seven assists for Vitesse this season as he has emerged as one of the Eredivisie’s most-creative players, and the youngster looks like he has a massive future.
Next season will be crucial for Mount as he looks to further his senior career, and Leeds must do all they can to convince him that they are the right place for him to continue his development.
Mount is versatile, and can slot in anywhere along the front line, and would be a massive asset for the Whites next season as they look to gain promotion to the top-flight.
These kind of clever loan deals will be key for Leeds in the coming months, and Orta must recognise Mount’s potential to be a star at Elland Road.