Anthony Onifade

Thu 21 December 2023 7:10, UK

Leeds United are open to interest in both Lewis Bate and Leo Hjelde once the transfer window opens in January, according to Phil Hay.

The Athletic journalist, writing on Thursday in his article (21 December) shares the Whites are open to sell the two youngsters at the club neither of whom are in Daniel Farke’s thinking at Elland Road now and in future.

The two players have four senior appearances between them so far this campaign and are currently on the fringes of Farke’s squad with the possibility of being given new opportunities elsewhere in January.

Hay wrote: “In contrast, United are very open to interest in Lewis Bate and Leo Hjelde, neither of whom is in the picture at all. Bate’s deal is six months from ending.”

Curtain calling

It now seems as if Leeds United are open to cleaning house in the January transfer window and they seriously need to with so many players on the fringes of the squad under Farke.

Bate and Hjelde have never looked like breaking into the team at Leeds despite their young ages and possible potential and given both the stages of their careers, are in real need of first-team chances elsewhere.

Hjelde hasn’t been seen in the Leeds United first team since the opening weekend of the Championship season, where he started the 2-2 draw with Cardiff City at left-back before being hooked by Farke at half-time after a dreadful first half.

Leeds did pay big money for Bate from Chelsea though, so there may be a wish to push him along themselves, with the player himself said to be desperate for an exit strategy in January.

It certainly seems as if it is the best route possible for all parties to go their different directions in the winter and it will be refreshing to see the Whites gain a reasonable fee for both players especially Bate who is heading into the last six months of his current deal at Elland Road.

In other Leeds United news, media in Italy have slammed Rasmus Kristensen labelling him Roma’s worst-ever signing