Noel Whelan has suggested that Leeds United should allow youngster Jamie Shackleton to step into midfield by selling Adam Forshaw this summer.
Forshaw, 27, was utilised often by Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa last term, with the Englishman making 32 appearances in all competitions.
Speaking to Football Insider, however, Whelan said that 19-year-old Shackleton – who was promoted to the first team from the club’s academy last summer – would be a better option in midfield next season.
“We could get big money for Forshaw, I don’t see how his value has gone down,” the pundit explained.
“We have not seen the best of him at Leeds and he is one worth considering to sell, definitely.
“I think we also have the ideal ready-made replacement in Jamie Shackleton, who plays the central midfield role better than Forshaw. He has more energy and is better going forward and on the ball. He’s younger and better.
“For me, Shackleton for Forshaw all day long. I would get him starting next season, definitely.”
OPINION
It’s an interesting opinion from Whelan and one that will certainly get Leeds fans talking. While Forshaw is seen as a key part of the club’s midfield by Bielsa, he does not offer much creativity going forward. In his 32 appearances for the Whites last season, he did not register a single assist or chip in with any goals. Shackleton – although playing 24 games in all competitions and not featuring as much as his fellow countryman – came up with two assists in 19 Championship outings. In terms of whether this move happens this summer, it is one to watch ahead of next season because there is no doubt Leeds need to strengthen in certain areas before the new campaign begins – chiefly in attack and attacking midfield. If, as Whelan suggests, the Whites can get the best out of Shackleton next season after his breakthrough last term, then they may not need to invest at all in that area.