Sam Stone

Sat 10 December 2022 6:30, UK

It’s been a tough season for Adam Forshaw with the Leeds United midfielder operating as a bit-part player under Jesse Marsch so far.

The 31-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of the season although Leeds do hold an option to extend his deal by a further year, at the moment, there has been little indication over whether he will sign new terms.

Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross has suggested (Q/A session for Leeds Live ,2 December) that Forshaw is unlikely to leave the club in the January window, despite the former Brentford midfielder only playing 47 minutes of Premier League football this season.

Injuries haven’t helped Forshaw, but after his recent comments, it’s clear he is eager to earn himself a new deal after a frustrating start to the season.

“I’m hoping for some minutes again tonight…. My aim is to build and build to be part of the (Manchester) City game. I definitely want to be involved in the second part of the season,” said Forshaw (quoted by Adam Pope, 8 December).

If Forshaw had accepted his Leeds United exit was imminent, he would not be looking to feature against Manchester City on the eve of the January window. The midfielder clearly wants to stay and fight for his new deal in West Yorkshire, and his comments will be a message to Marsch and the board that he is here to stay.

It’s hard to see Forshaw being given much game time by the American, with Marsch favouring combative and energetic midfielders in his system, as opposed to ball-playing, technical players such as Forshaw.

For now, Forshaw must ensure he stays injury free and takes the opportunities when they’re given to him.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites are now scouting an attacker at the World Cup and a January move appears to be on the cards for them.