Marcelo Bielsa: Leeds United will not keep Tyler Roberts if he wants to leave

Leeds United will not stand in Tyler Roberts' way if he wants to leave in January, claims Marcelo Bielsa.

The Whites will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on Brighton on Saturday.

Ahead of the game, Bielsa was asked if he would sanction a loan move for Roberts in January.

BBC's Adam Pope, via his personal Twitter account, wrote, "MB asked about if he’d sanction a loan for Tyler Roberts in Jan. A lengthy response which included 'whilst he wants to fight for his place I want him here.' Bielsa says 'if a player desires to leave there’s no point trying to keep him.' Roberts definitely in his plans."

Must leave

Roberts has been struggling to force his way into Bielsa's plans and the best option for him could be a move away.

Whether it's a loan move or something permanent, is up to him and the club to decide.

When younger players with no top-flight experience are taking their spot in the team, it's a sign that the manager may not be rating them too highly.

While Bielsa may see him as part of his plans, he certainly does not see him as a first-team regular.

Roberts is a decent option to have on the bench during an injury crisis and one who the club can hand rare starts in the cup games or the one off league games.

He's certainly not going to be someone who will be anywhere near the starting eleven when everyone's back to full fitness.

If he wants to get his career back on track, he needs to be playing more and that's not going to happen at Elland Road.

In other Leeds United news, the club are tracking a contract rebel who they are keen on signing in January