By Sam Stone

2nd Nov, 2022 | 12:10pm

Stuart McKinstry left in Leeds United limbo as Victor Orta forgets Jesse Marsch demands

Stuart McKinstry has enjoyed a good start to life north of the border with Motherwell but his Leeds United future has been left in limbo.

It wasn’t a surprise to see the 20-year-old return to his native Scotland on a temporary agreement in order to gain a taste of more regular first-team football. Two goals in ten appearances for the wide man, including one against Rangers, isn’t a bad return for the youngster in his first loan away from Elland Road.

However, there are some issues that must be addressed when it comes to his future in Yorkshire. The Daily Record reported (16 October) that Jesse Marsch was keen to get the youngster tied down to a new deal before his loan exit to Fir Park was agreed upon.

Nevertheless, McKinstry has left the club with his options very much open for when his loan deal expires at the end of the 2022/23 season. It’s a surprise that Victor Orta didn’t act in the summer to get the youngster tied down to a new deal, which is what Marsch wanted.

Now the Whites are in a position where they could end up losing the youngster for nothing in the summer of 2023, despite there being a clear desire to keep him on their books. If McKinstry enjoys a successful loan spell at Motherwell, then there’s every chance more clubs could circle for the Scotland youth international.

Orta’s reluctance to secure a new deal for McKinstry before sending him out on loan is a strange call, which could well come back to bite Leeds in the near future.

In other Leeds United news, a “monumental failure” at a Champions League club means this Elland Road-linked ace can be signed for “zilch” in 2023.