On the latest edition of Touchline Talk, journalist Pete O’Rourke has been speaking about Leeds United’s transfer interest in central midfielder John Swift.
The transfer expert was speaking just weeks out from the January transfer window opening and a matter of hours after Leeds were hit with a fresh injury blow.
Do you expect Leeds to spend in January?
Yes
No
On Thursday, Marcelo Bielsa revealed the Whites would be without main midfielder Kalvin Phillips for a lengthy period of time after he had suffered a hamstring injury in their game against Brentford.
With the fresh injury blow sustained, Bielsa’s side may feel the need to dip their toes into the transfer market next month as they sit just six points above the relegation zone.
Discussing Leeds’ long-standing interest in the 26-year-old midfielder from Reading, O’Rourke had the following to say on whether a January swoop for Swift could be expected.
“So maybe they’ll have to do a bit of shopping in the loan market or somebody cheap or coming to the end of their contract. John Swift at Reading’s been mentioned; I know he’s been a long-term target if they could maybe capitalise on Reading’s financial woes.”
TIF Thoughts on Swift to Leeds…
With Adam Forshaw making up one of Bielsa’s midfield options, further injuries could put a big question over Leeds’ Premier League status as Bielsa’s side continues to struggle from a number of current absentees.
The Reading man has made a bright start to the 2021/22 campaign in the Championship with eight goals and nine assists already to his name this season (via Transfermarkt).
However, the 26-year-old would probably provide more of an attacking threat than the defensive-minded Phillips, so it could still leave Bielsa relying on the fitness of Forshaw or Mateusz Klich.
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