Leeds midfielder deal ‘this week’ as source reveals interest in classy star Bielsa loves
Leeds United will reportedly push ahead with plans to sign a new central midfielder this week – with a trusted source confirming Marcelo Bielsa’s interest in landing Marseille star Boubacar Kamara.
The 2021/22 season has been a difficult one for Leeds. While they have finally managed back-to-back wins for the first time this season, Bielsa’s side have been decimated by injuries. Indeed, they were without eight first-team regulars during Sunday’s game at West Ham, filling their bench with untested kids.
One of the areas they have been most badly affected is in central midfield. The loss of the talismanic Kalvin Phillips to a hamstring problem until March leaves a sizeable hole in their side.
That said, Adam Forshaw has filled in admirably. He has been one of Leeds’ best performers this season, overcoming his own two-year injury hell to secure a new deal.
However, he too limped off with a hamstring issue of his own at West Ham. Thankfully though, it does not look serious and he’s fighting to be fit to make the squad to face Newcastle on Saturday.
When Forshaw did limp off at the London Stadium, it meant Leeds had to turn to Lewis Bate off the bench. The 19-year-old did well on his Premier League debut before being hooked himself later in the game.
The whole episode though only underlined Leeds’ weaknesses in the position.
As such, it’s little surprise to see the club working hard to bring in reinforcements. Indeed, chief executive Angus Kinnear gave a telling insight into their plans earlier this month.
United have been linked with a number of names, though probably the most exciting of which is Kamara.
The midfielder has been cleared to leave Marseille in January, having refused to sign a new deal. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, they would prefer to generate cash for him now.
That has led to links with several Premier League sides, including Leeds.
Wages though do look like an issue with the player reportedly seeking a deal that would top anyone else at Elland Road.
Boubacar Kamara interest revealed
Now, the Daily Mirror journalist David Anderson, however, has at least confirmed Leeds do have interest in Kamara.
He states Kamara is very much a player on Leeds’ radar, with Bielsa a huge admirer.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, he also admits Leeds are accelerating their plans to make a signing this week.
“Kamara is an interesting one because they did look at him and they considered him, I’m told, last year,” Anderson said.
“Obviously, United are looking at him as well, so he’s a player who has gained a lot of attraction.
“He’s not a full French international but he’s seen as one of the next big things.”
Leeds to make move ‘this week’
Asked if Leeds could make any other signings, he was clear where their priorities lie.
“I’m being told it’s more central midfielder. They don’t need any more wingers. To be fair, defensively, they’re OK too.”
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth also believes Leeds are progressing on a new midfielder signing.
Asked if he had any updates, Sheth could not offer any concrete, but did put a timescale on Leeds’ plans.
“Leeds United expected to step up their attempts to sign a new midfielder this week,” he revealed on The Transfer Show.
Whether a deal for Boubacar Kamara transpires remains to be seen, though history tells us that Leeds have rarely enjoyed much success with the January window.
READ MORE: Leeds muscle in on Arsenal as rising star catches Bielsa’s eye to prompt twist in deal race
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