OPINION
Leeds United will pull off a blinder if they hijack Brentford’s attempts to win the race to sign former Newcastle winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni.
Goal claim Marcelo Bielsa’s side are in hot pursuit of the 22-year-old as they continue to try to strengthen their squad in the final hours of the Championship window.
It is said El-Mhanni is training with Brentford as they weigh up a move late in the transfer window, while there is also interest from Heerenveen, Amiens and Saint-Etienne.
Leeds have not finished their summer shopping, with Bielsa making clear at his most recent press conference on Wednesday that at least one new signing could arrive by Friday night.
Clubs in the Championship can sign unattached players up until that point, just as they can loan players.
El-Mhanni has the pace, trickery and skills to add a new dimension to a Leeds attack that has been outstanding in the first five league matches, but looks short of depth.
Tuesday night’s League Cup defeat to Preston North End highlighted the paucity of options outside of the main men, as 2018 signings Jack Harrison and Tyler Roberts struggled as well as £7million arrival Patrick Bamford.
El-Mhanni has real pedigree. He made his name in non-league football for Farnborough and Lewes before representing the Chelsea academy and then earning a move to Newcastle United.
The London born right-winger made two appearances for the north-east giants before he was released this summer after he filed a grievance against Peter Beardsley, the Magpies’ Under-23 coach, though the club did rule in the player’s favour after complaints of unfair treatment, racism and bullying.
Leeds could do with another direct and pacy option out wide, especially as Stuart Dallas appears better suited these days to playing deeper.
El-Mhanni could be a shrewd acquisition for the Championship pace-setters.