Leeds have a range of options heading into the winter transfer window, some harder to sign than others.
The likes of Martin Baturina – who Leeds like – will be tough to acquire seeing as Como want to keep him, as will another target in Troy Parrott.
The Irishman has 15 goals in 19 games for AZ Alkmaar this season and is crucial to the Dutch side.
A much easier player to sign is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain given his status as a free agent, and the England international made comments back in May 2017 which should alert Daniel Farke.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain loves the wing-back role as Daniel Farke introduces 3-5-2 at Leeds United
Before Farke switched to a 3-5-2 for the second half at Manchester City, a move for the former Arsenal and Liverpool star didn’t really seem worth doing for Leeds.
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However, the new formation has seen the arrival of wing-backs at Leeds, with Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson currently impressing on the right and left respectively.
Having said that, there is little depth behind the pair, should Farke opt to stick with the plan which had Manchester City wobbling and Chelsea comprehensively beaten.
Fortunately for Leeds, Oxlade-Chamberlain represents a quick, easy fix to this problem, as he revealed in May 2017 that he enjoys playing as a wing-back. The 32-year-old told Arsenal: “It suits my game because when I’m playing wing-back there’s a lot of space to run into. I feel like I’m more natural running with the ball as opposed to running off the ball for someone to play over the top.”
It means the 49ers have a simple way of bolstering the wide areas for Farke without breaking the bank, and even if he rarely gets on the pitch, his 235 Premier League appearances should offer something to Leeds in the dressing room at least.
Other free agents Leeds United can consider
With Leeds currently facing PSR issues, the 49ers need to find as many bargains as possible.
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“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
Robbie Evans on Leeds United’s PSR position
The free agent market therefore represents an opportunity to bolster the squad, and there are several big names without a club right now.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is now available after departing Arsenal, although the Japan international is understood to be heading to Ajax.
There are two decent left-back options for Leeds to consider too, with Sergio Reguilon and Renan Lodi unemployed.
In attack, Emmanuel Dennis and Paco Alcacer are free agents as well, along with Lorenzo Insigne and Dele Alli.
Leeds will presumably try to sign an attached player once the transfer window opens in January, but if the 49ers fail to get any deals over the line, the free agent market contains some interesting options.
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