{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Phil Hay names three players he wants Leeds to realistically sign, one is Newcastle ace
Leeds United have had a quiet transfer window but The Athletic’s Phil Hay has picked out three realistic signings the club could make.
The Whites spent big last summer with four major additions, so January was always unlikely to see a repeat of that transfer activity.
However, Hay has hinted at the possibility of future signings, with one fan asking him to name some potential reinforcements – but only realistic options.
In his Athletic Q&A [31/1, 12:00p.m], Hay responded, “I’ve always liked Ryan Sessegnon, (he’s) someone I think Bielsa could make a big impact on.
“For what it’s worth, I also think [Rodrigo] De Paul would be a good fit in midfield (although a move for him has never progressed).
“Someone else I like too – [Allan] Saint-Maximin at Newcastle.”
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
Big upgrades
The trio named would all be very exciting arrivals.
Ryan Sessegnon should be an upgrade on Stuart Dallas or Gjanni Alioksi at left-back.
The latter’s contract expires in the summer, too, which means a move could be on the table for Sessegnon or a similar player.
Tottenham signed the 20-year-old for £25million in 2019 which shows how highly valued he is, but the fact he is currently on loan at Hoffenheim means he could be available.
He showed during his time at Fulham that he offers a strong attacking threat, with 24 goal contributions helping his team to promotion in 2017/18.
Rodrigo De Paul is a player who has been on the Whites’ radar since the summer.
Interestingly, Kevin Phillips tipped the club to sign the Argentine this month, suggesting he fits the bill of a “top quality” player that we ought to target.
The midfielder’s average of 2.5 key passes and 3.3 dribbles per game (WhoScored) means he would be a welcome addition.
Such a record, as well as a return of five goals in 20 games, shows he would offer a threat from the middle – something summer signing Rodrigo does not always provide.
As for Saint-Maximin, we all saw the danger he possesses on Tuesday night.
He was a nightmare for Luke Ayling and our primary method to stop the winger was to foul him.
Many other teams have no choice but to do similar, so much so that the Frenchman ranks in the top ten for most fouled Premier League players, being fouled 2.3 times per game (WhoScored).
As a result, all three would be shrewd additions, though we are a little doubtful over how realistic our chances are of signing them.
In other Leeds United news, ‘One of the best’ – Sky Sports pundit bowled over by Leeds mainstay, makes England claim.