Leeds United: Daniel Farke warned of dressing room fall-out as January transfer deal eyed at Burnley – BBC Sport pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Paul Robinson believes Connor Roberts would be a “proven” defensive option but has warned that Leeds United have to be “careful” about signing anyone this month in case it upsets the balance of the squad.
The Burnley defender is an Elland Road target this month with Daniel Farke needing additions after seeing Luke Ayling and Djed Spence depart.
And Robinson suggests there could be a deal to be done for the Welshman given Vincent Kompany’s Clarets look like they could be headed for relegation while the Whites are moving in the opposite direction.
But in light of how strong Farke’s Leeds United have largely been so far this term the BBC Sport pundit is wary that the manager must ensure “harmony” in the dressing room isn’t thrown off.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News he said: “You’ve got to be careful what players you bring in because you can upset the harmony and the balance of the squad and the team.
“The players that you’re going to bring in in January are going to have an impact on the team, because you look at how good the squad is, how well they’ve done this season, you want to continue that between now and the end of the season.
“So if you’re going to bring players into that starting XI or into that squad of players who are looking to get starts you have to recruit very, very carefully for players who are going to make an impact on the pitch but aren’t going to in a negative way in the dressing room.
“Character and personnel, the due diligence that they do on these players is just as important as the quality that they bring.
“Connor Roberts is proven at this level, he’s proven in the Premier League as well, with Burnley looking like, potentially, they’re going to go back to the Championship.
“They’ll have to cut their cloth accordingly, and if there’s deals to be done for quality players like that then the manager can utilise them in different positions.
“But you look at the Leeds side and you say, ‘Okay, where are they going to fit in?’
“At right-back, Archie Gray then comes back into midfield but you’ve got [Ilia] Gruev in there, you’ve got [Glen] Kamara, a quality midfield that they’ve already proven this season.
“So recruitment is going to have to be done carefully.”
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are chasing an “unplayable” attacking ace before the deadline and his manager has provided a new update on the situation.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.