Joe Roberts

Thu 14 September 2023 10:30, UK

Jamie Shackleton remained focused on Leeds United at the start of the summer despite interest from a number of clubs, according to Phil Hay.

Writing in The Athletic (14 September), Hay noted the 23-year-old’s “rock-solid” fitness standards and domination of the bleep test, with his dedication to training catching the eye of Daniel Farke.

Meanwhile, the likes of Europa League side Rangers and Championship club QPR were exploring deals to bring the midfielder in on loan, but the “head-down type” Shackleton remained at Elland Road despite the “assumption” that he would depart.

Top asset

Not many expected Shackleton to emerge as one of Leeds United’s top players so far this season, but his dedication to his fitness was enough for Farke to persist with him.

After a loan spell at Millwall, the Whites’ upcoming opponents, Shackleton was expected to depart as Leeds returned to the Championship. Hay suggests that Shackleton himself was resigned to the idea of a departure, noting he was “looking for other opportunities” – perhaps even a permanent one.

This never came to be, but the soon-to-be 24-year-old has entered the last year of his Leeds contract, but the club will likely want to retain his services after the top start he’s had to the season. But if he continues he good form for the Whites, other clubs may attempt to woo the academy graduate, so Leeds will want to lock him down as soon as possible.

Shackleton has provided his fair share of attacking output this season, with 3.15 shot-creating actions per 90 and 0.29 goal-creating actions per 90 so far this season, while managing the joint-second most progressive carries in the Leeds squad [FBRef].

The on-field actions are all well and good and obviously important, but the Englishman’s dedication to his preparation and natural fitness has done a lot of the heavy lifting for his progression at Elland Road.

In other Leeds United news, an Eredivisie player has dubbed a Whites defender a “Brexit centre-back”.