COMMENT
Leeds United fans are frustrated and concerned at the possibility of losing Samuel Saiz in January just when their promotion bid seemed to be navigating away from choppy waters.
Rightly so. The Whites faithful know the Spanish playmaker is one of the most gifted players in not only their squad but the entire Championship and are baffled at reports he could leave on an initial loan next month.
The Leeds hierarchy have already caved in and sold Chris Wood and Ronaldo Vieira in the last two summer windows, so they have past form on cashing in prize assets.
A major deal is needed to soothe the masses and get the club’s pursuit of a top-two finish back on course.
The Yorkshire giants will strike gold if they are successful in signing Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow in the January window.
According to Football Insider that is a real possibility. The site claim United have held two rounds of talks with the 28-year-old’s representatives and they have climbed into pole position to sign him.
It is said Marcelo Bielsa, a manager with the confidence to improve players on the training ground rather than rely on major transfer market moves, regards Darlow as a “vital addition” as he looks to bring in experienced goalkeeping cover.
Certainly, the former Nottingham Forest number one knows his way round the thistles and nettles of the Championship playground.
He has 140 appearances in the competition and played a key role in Newcastle’s promotion-winning campaign of two seasons ago.
That is the kind of experience Leeds need as they look to end their 15-year spell in the lower league doldrums.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell is a promising young keeper but he is far from the finished article and Darlow has the quality to instantly slot in as the number one and improve the starting XI.