In recent comments made on a Q&A session on the Leeds Live website, Beren Cross answered several questions from Leeds United fans on a number of issues concerning the club, and in particular, one about the situation at left-back.
In response to a question regarding whether or not Marcelo Bielsa has plans to bring in another left-back over the remainder of the summer transfer window, Cross replied (2:02pm):
“Left-back does not look to be a priority as it stands. [Barry] Douglas is the most likely candidate for a departure if Bielsa does want to add to his ranks without having too many bodies knocking around Thorp Arch. [Stuart] Dallas and [Ezgjan] Alioski are Bielsa’s men there, for now, and he seems happy with that.”
The Daily Mail reported in August that Celtic were in talks with Leeds about a potential move for Douglas, however, a report by Leeds Live earlier this month claimed that, despite being down the pecking order at Leeds in the left-back position, the 31-year-old was happy to remain at the club, and is even ‘a key member in the dressing room.’
Since moving to Leeds from Wolverhampton Wanderers in what was a £3.06 million deal back in 2018, Douglas has gone on to make 44 appearances for the club, scoring no goals but providing five assists.
However, so far this term, the Scotland international is yet to make the Leeds squad for a Premier League fixture, although he did play the full game in the club’s loss in the Carabao Cup against Hull City.
Do you think Douglas should leave?
Yes, he won't get enough game time
No, we should keep him in the squad
TIF Thoughts…
Despite the report by Leeds Live which claimed that Douglas is indeed happy to stay the club, Frank McAvennie recently stated in an interview with Football Insider that he has been told that something may be happening in the background regarding a Celtic move for the left-back.
As such, with a decent amount of time remaining in the summer transfer window, this will certainly be a deal which we will be keeping a close eye on over the coming weeks.