Ben Parker says he’d like Leeds to offer new deals to duo Adam Forshaw and Joel Robles

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Ben Parker has told LS11 that he would like to see Leeds United hand new deals to Adam Forshaw and Joel Robles but understands the decision not to offer them a new contract just yet – without a manager in place at Elland Road.

Leeds confirmed within their retained list recently, that while both Forshaw and Robles – who will see their contracts end on June 30 – have not been offered new deals, they have been invited back for pre-season. Talks are ongoing.

It suggests that the club have decided not to tie themselves to keeping both, and then the incoming gaffer decides not to use them. Whoever that manager is – Patrick Vieira, Daniel Farke or another – will have a decision to make.

Parker spoke on both Robles and Forshaw potentially leaving the club on a free, as things stand. He says that both players should be offered new terms, but understands not signing them on just yet – until a new boss is announced.

“With Forshaw and Robles, I’d like them to stay. But it is a smart move by the club – no manager in place. You can’t just be handing out new contracts with no manager there. A new manager might not want them,” Parker said.

“You’d be stuck with two players on a wage you could have let go. They’re good to have around the place. Forshaw is a great lad, arguably our best player in the run last season. They’ve got points to prove, but I’d like them to stay.”

Parker would like to see Leeds hand new deals to Forshaw and Robles

Whoever takes charge, will have a decision to make – but on the face of it, Forshaw and Robles should be kept. In a summer in which there will be tumultuous change, keeping players that have plenty to offer on the pitch is key.

In goal, Illan Meslier is likely to go. If Robles goes too, two new keepers will be needed. Kris Klaesson has not done enough to prove he is to be relied upon in the senior side. In midfield, new signings will be absolutely fundamental.

Weston McKennie has gone. Tyler Adams has half of the Premier League chasing him. Marc Roca is set to go to Betis. Forshaw was our best player under Sam Allardyce, and he is ready-made for the second tier. Both must stay.