£3m player fails to get on the pitch last night, days after being tipped to join Leeds in January

Add as preferred source on Google

David Turnbull was touted with a move to Leeds United earlier this week with the Celtic star set to see his deal expire at the end of the season – and on Wednesday, he was left on the sub’s bench.

Turnbull, 24, has been in excellent form for Celtic of late despite struggling to start for Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead. The likes of Matt O’Riley – a target for Leeds – and Reo Hatate continue to keep him out.

The £3m man has only started eight of Celtic’s 16 Premiership games. Coming into Wednesday’s clash against Hibernian at home, Turnbull had scored four in his last five league games. But he was unused.

Earlier this week, John Hartson was discussing Turnbull’s future with his deal ending next summer. He says that he could see the Scotland international joining a top-end Championship side, naming Leeds.

It came only a couple of days before Rodgers decided to leave the Scotland man on the bench despite his excellent recent form. Turnbull may be thinking, what else can he do, to get a run in the Celtic side.

David Turnbull left on Celtic bench after being touted with Leeds

Indeed, Leeds failed to bring in a no.10 in the summer. O’Riley, Nadiem Amiri and Kenny McLean were among those linked with a move to Elland Road. Joel Piroe is currently occupying that no.10 position.

Leeds do have options – but not proper no.10’s. Piroe himself is naturally, a striker. Georginio Rutter, too. Joe Gelhardt is struggling for game time and has had a couple of annoying injuries this season, so far.

Leeds could do with another option in the 10 role and Turnbull would provide that, as well as providing depth in the middle of the park. Given his contract situation, he is likely to be available on the cheap.