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Leeds United: Pundit backs bargain Aaron Wan-Bissaka move

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Image for Leeds United: Pundit backs bargain Aaron Wan-Bissaka move

Pundit and former footballer Tam McManus has backed Leeds United to make a bargain move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

According to McManus, Leeds should move for the Manchester United right-back, who has been completely frozen out at Old Trafford.

Wan-Bissaka has also been linked with the likes of Wolves and former club Crystal Palace ahead of a likely exit in the January window.

It was previously reported by 90min that the Whites are one of the teams to join the queue most recently for the 25-year-old, with him set to be subject to a January auction.

Wan-Bissaka’s time, at least in the short term at United, seems finished. He has played just four minutes of action all season under new boss Erik ten Hag – all in August’s win over Liverpool – with the Dutchman not seeing an attacking capability in him to play as one of his demanding wing-backs.

And McManus now believes the £50m man could leave for a fifth of the price in the winter, as he told Football Insider that a move to Elland Road would suit all parties.

The former Hibernian ace said: “He’s still only 25 so he could be a good signing for Leeds. It looks like he has no future at Man United.

“He could definitely go and improve Leeds. In terms of price, I think Man United would want at least half of that fee back.

“But you have to be realistic. Would they let him go for £15m, £10m? That would be a good deal for everyone.

“I really think Leeds could pick up a bargain here.”

TIF Thoughts on McManus’ comments…

Although Wan-Bissaka’s attacking ability leaves a lot to be desired, his defensive capabilities have rarely come into question.

Following the displays at Crystal Palace that persuaded United to make a move for his services, he would once again excel at a team further down the table with a move to Elland Road.

His 3.03 tackles per 90 and 2.48 interceptions per 90 put him in the top 3% and 1% respectively amongst defenders over the last year (as per FBref), showing that he’s still every bit as talented as he was at Palace.

At £10m, we think he’d prove an absolute steal and sure to improve a defence that’s conceded the fourth-most in the Premier League, but whether they can negotiate such a fee with Man United, of all clubs, remains a potentially sizeable hurdle.

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