OPINION
Leeds United appear to be ready to launch a swoop to sign Hibernian midfielder John McGinn this summer.
The Daily Mail has reported that the Whites are set to challenge Celtic to grabbing the signature of the 23-year-old Scotland international, while Derby have also joined the race.
McGinn is entering the final year of his contract at Hibs and it is understood that he would cost £3million for whoever wants to sign him up this summer.
Given how well the former St Mirren maestro played last season, it’s an absolute no brainer for Leeds to make a bid at that price – and for newly-appointed manager Marcelo Bielsa to build his team around him.
McGinn is as complete a midfielder as you can get.
The Easter Road ace can score goals, he can supply assists, he is an absolute workhorse and has the ability to break down attacks.
Bielsa is known to favour a 3-3-1-3 formation, and that means that he needs a central midfielder who can do everything – like McGinn.
Finding someone to fill that role is going to be a challenge for Bielsa this summer, especially when Leeds also need strengthening up front and at centre-back.
It’s almost July and the Whites are yet to sign a single player, with several having already left Elland Road.
And interest in McGinn is bound to intensify with Derby and Celtic also making plans to sign him.
So Bielsa should really be looking to get straight onto the phone with Neil Lennon and launch a bid as soon as possible, otherwise it’s going to be a bit of a grind for him to find a player as perfect for him at Leeds as McGinn.