Daniel Farke has not slammed the door shut on the potential of January additions at Leeds United, even if Robbie Evans has previously made it clear that Leeds would look to avoid spending this month.
Speaking after the summer window had closed, Evans suggested that any more spending would take Leeds over the PSR line. He also told fans that Leeds would actively look to avoid January if possible.
But reports have since emerged that Leeds can spend between £20m and £25m in January without going over the line. The Whites have been linked with plenty of players, with injuries beginning to ramp up.
Should Leeds follow Nottingham Forest’s path and risk a points deduction? 💸
“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
Against Man United, Leeds were without Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, and Dan James. The switch to 3-5-2 has highlighted the lack of depth, and Leeds need a signing or two.
While focus is likely to be on signing a centre-back with Danilho Doekhi a target, and a striker in the coming weeks, there is also the inevitable links with Elland Road hero and Man City flop, Kalvin Phillips.
Kalvin Phillips wants to join Leeds United this month
According to a report from FourFourTwo’s Joe Donnohue, who used to work as Graham Smyth’s sidekick at the Evening Post, Phillips would love to rejoin Leeds. It is three and a half years since Phillips departed.
The 30-year-old has flopped at City since his £45m move to Pep Guardiola’s side. He has gone on loan twice, joining Ipswich and West Ham. The midfielder has constantly been linked with a return to Leeds.
Phillips signed a six-year deal at Man City in the summer of 2022 and still has two and a half years left to run on the contract. But, City are likely to let him go on loan, or for a bargain fee in the coming weeks.
Kalvin Phillips would not only be a good signing, but he’s now needed at Leeds – Agree? 🤔
He could play in a back three as well as midfield….
Leeds United’s stance on Kalvin Phillips and Wolves’ interest
Over the weekend, Phillips even caught up with his old Marcelo Bielsa stalwarts – pictured in a bar along with Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Mateusz Klich and Stuart Dallas. Clearly, Phillips is still very much Leeds.
But unfortunately for Phillips and for those who would like to see the Thorp Arch academy product return to Elland Road, Donnohue reports that Leeds are unlikely to be interested in the Man City midfielder.
It is believed that the presence of Ethan Ampadu and the signings of both Longstaff and Anton Stach make a move for Phillips unnecessary. Even if, Leeds do need bodies and ones that can play in many roles.
There is interest in Phillips, however. Leeds’ relegation rivals Wolves and Rob Edwards are keen to bring Phillips to Molineux before the end of the January window, having picked up in the last couple of games.
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