In the January transfer window, Leeds United are allegedly interested in acquiring Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.
The 27-year-old has struggled to earn a starting spot on Thomas Tuchel’s side. And is considering a transfer away from Stamford Bridge to play regular first-team football.
Leeds has surfaced as a possible destination for Barkley, according to the Daily Mail. As Marcelo Bielsa looks to improve his midfield options in the winter window.
However, according to the source. The Whites will not be splashing the cash in January and would instead delve into the loan market.
Leeds United may face competition from Premier League teams such as Burnley and Newcastle United. Who is keeping an eye on the England international’s position?
Barkley, who has just over 18 months left on his contract. Has only made eight appearances for Chelsea this season in all competitions, with only two of them being starts.
Despite his most spectacular appearances, Barkley has only logged 238 minutes of playing time so far this season. The fact that Chelsea has a wealth of talented attackers in their ranks does not assist the number.
The 27-year-old is expected to be open to a transfer to get more playing time. The Englishman’s current Chelsea contract extends through 2023.
Leeds aren’t planning on spending a lot of money in the winter transfer window. But they are still searching for loan deals and midfield reinforcements. Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is eager to work with his current group. But he recognises that he may want some new legs.
Ross Barkley to Leeds would be good for either party
Leeds have been able to welcome back Adam Forshaw, who is now fully healthy, but they don’t want to overwork him after such a long layoff. In the summer, Leeds inquired about Barkley’s Chelsea colleague Billy Gilmour. But declined to pay Huddersfield Town’s asking price for Lewis O’Brien.
Barkley has attracted interest from other teams and is considering a loan in the face of stiff competition for a spot at Chelsea.
Leeds are also set to complete the acquisition of Mateo Joseph Fernandez. n 18-year-old striker from Espanyol, for roughly £420,000 in January. Manchester City and Barcelona were also interested in the teenager, who also qualifies for England.
Leeds play in quite a fluid system of football. Within which players are meant to take up roles of other players when out of place. Due to this, there is quite a high demand concerning the physique. As well as in footballing knowledge. One will either need to have massive stamina or quite a high awareness in the footballing sense. Due to this one might worry for the likes of Ross Barkley. He has been known to be quite injury prone while at Chelsea. During his time back at Everton, the player had built quite the partnership with Romelu Lukaku. Ross Barkley can play in either the Central attacking position or as a central midfielder. If Leeds wish to sign Ross Barkley, they will need to formulate a plan which keeps his fitness as the highest priority.
Follow us on Twitter for regular football updates.
