Player that Leeds eyed for £5m in 2023 is now a free agent, could be ideal to replace Stuart Dallas

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Stuart Dallas’ time at Leeds United has come to an end and so has his professional career, and while he has been injured for the past couple of seasons he will require replacing.

Injured since April 2022 after a tackle with Jack Grealish back when Leeds were in the Premier League, the Northern Irishman has failed to recover to the extent that would allow him to continue his career.

While Leeds have missed Dallas, the club’s Player of the Year in 2020-21, his absence and subsequent exit is a reminder of one gaping hole that Leeds need to fill in the coming weeks and months at Elland Road.

Leeds lack a player of Dallas’ versatility, one that is good enough to start but an even better option from the bench. One that can cover numerous roles when there are many injuries and suspensions mounting.

With finances tight and Leeds needing to sell, it is not as if Leeds can splash the cash as they have done over the last couple of seasons. But the perfect replacement for Dallas is now available on a free transfer.

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Perfect Stuart Dallas replacement is now available on a free

Clubs are starting to announce their retained lists and Luke Ayling’s new permanent side Middlesbrough have confirmed that 29-year-old Paddy McNair is leaving the Teesside club on a free transfer this month.

Last summer, Leeds were linked with a move for the 49-time Northern Ireland man and were told to pay £5m to land his signature. But he remained at Boro, taking his total Championship games north of 200.

Now he’s available on a free and he is the perfect replacement for Dallas. Huge Championship know how, able to play centre-back, right-back, central midfield and even as a 10, McNair fills the void left by Dallas.

What Leeds star Dallas has said about Paddy McNair in the past

Leeds lack that experience and at times this season, the oldest player in the side has been Junior Firpo or Glen Kamara when Sam Byram and Patrick Bamford have been missing with injury, which has been often.

McNair might not start often, but he gives Leeds much-needed cover at centre-back and right-back, two areas that need addressing. Midfield too, with Archie Gray and Ethan Ampadu being used in defence.

Still only 29 and available on a free, he is a possible bargain. Dallas is a big fan too, saying in 2019: “Paddy is excellent. He works hard, he’s fit, his running ability and how powerful he is are something else.”