By Mark Smith

24th Jan, 2020 | 12:30pm

Leeds 29y/o training on his own, Bielsa wants January exit - report

Leeds United midfielder Eunan O’Kane has been frozen out of training at Thorp Arch, according to Football Insider.

It is suggested that Marcelo Bielsa and staff are keen to offload the Irishman to free up space on the wage bill for a fresh face at Thorp Arch.

According to the report, the 29-year-old has been made to train by himself despite recovering from his double leg break during his loan spell at Luton two years ago.

We have watched the under-23s regularly this season at Thorp Arch. That often also includes the first-team training in the background.

Eagled-eyes fans would have spotted O’Kane on a separate pitch training by himself, which sparked early suggestions that he is definitely not wanted.

O’Kane managed 58 appearances for the Whites during this spell at Elland Road. As soon as Bielsa came in that stopped, and he was not given a chance in West Yorkshire.

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Leeds are running out of options in midfield right now, and O’Kane leaving could free up a spot for the Whites to strengthen this month.

With Kalvin Phillips’ three-match suspension coming up after his red card at Queens Park Rangers, Adam Forshaw is also not ready to fill in because of his hip problem.

There is no other out-and-out holding midfielder at the club. Jamie Shackleton, Ben White, and Stuart Dallas are likely replacements – with two of those being best in defence.

In other Leeds United news, ‘Proven striker’ – Exclusive: Paul Robinson delivers verdict as Leeds ready bid for prolific CF