Leeds United face the unenviable task of building on a promising start to life in the Premier League.
As Sheffield United have proven, an excellent first season in the division means little the second time around, and while Leeds are still midway through their first Premier League campaign in almost two decades, they will be hoping to now build on the foundation the opening period has provided.
That work starts in the January transfer window, and not just in the talent that is brought to the club. Retaining valuable pieces of the present squad is also vital, and we have update on two players here.
We also have an update on a Leeds academy graduate who is beginning to rebuild his career.
Here is a round-up of the latest Leeds transfer rumours.
Alioski contract may be signed in weeks
Ezgjan Alioski, who is in the final year of his contract, could sign a new deal with Leeds in weeks, according to a report from Football Insider .
The report states that Leeds are hopeful that a deal can be thrashed out swiftly after the utility man confessed his love for the team earlier this year.
In an interview with the BBC, Alioski said: “I’m enjoying my life with Leeds and playing in the Premier League. My focus is with Leeds. We’re like a family.”
And on his contract, Alioski added: “Still nothing has happened. My contract ends next year. I’m not thinking that I want to leave Leeds. I would love to stay here.”
Football Insider now reports that Leeds believe a deal can be completed before the January transfer window.
Nigel Martyn comments on Pablo Hernandez’s future
Former Leeds goalkeeper Nigel Martyn believes that Pablo Hernandez will not leave the club in the January transfer window.
Hernandez has been a bit-part player this season. He has also missed the matchday squad for the last four matches, though Marcelo Bielsa said this was due to injury despite Hernandez’s wife claim that he is “superhealthy”.
Martyn, however, does not expect the 35-year-old to depart in January.
“It’s a strong squad with everyone fit,” Martyn told The Boot Room. “There are a lot of games. He’s [Bielsa] going to need every member.
“I don’t see him [Hernandez] going out on loan unless he is unhappy. He’s been great for Leeds. Nobody wants his career at Leeds to finish like that.
“He will get opportunities. It is down to himself to force himself into the side. We’re realising you can’t have luxuries.
"Has he got the legs? He can play in certain games where you can afford to have him – but in the Premier League, there aren’t many.”
Barnsley line up move to sign Bielsa discard
Barnsley are reportedly lining up a move for a Bielsa discard, per Football Insider, who claim the Yorkshire club are on the lookout for a young defender.
Forest Green defender Liam Kitching is a product of the Leeds academy but never made a first-team appearance for the club.
Bielsa said that he could leave in January 2019. Kitching then spent six months on loan at Harrogate Town before joining Forest Green on a free transfer in the summer.
The 21-year-old has since impressed for Forest Green, totalling 53 appearances over the past season-and-a-half.
The report states that Barnsley, who have signed Aapo Halme and Mallik Wilks, two former Leeds players in recent times, are keeping close tabs on Kitching.
