As per reports from The Scottish Sun, EFL Championship outfit Leeds United are plotting a January move for Brentford midfielder Lewis Macleod.
The 24-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Bees and has rejected a new deal from the club. And Leeds are believed to be monitoring the Scotsman’s situation, with a January move on the cards. (h/t The Scottish Sun)
A product of the Rangers’ youth academy, Macleod broke through the senior ranks at the Ibrox back in 2012 and went on to make 76 appearances over the course of the next three seasons. During that time, he scored 16 times and assisted 15 more. Eventually, the midfielder moved to Griffin Park in January 2015.
Having made just one appearance that term, the Scotsman started the 2016/17 campaign on a strong note, until a serious knee injury in November ruled him out of action for a year. He went on to make just 11 appearances in 2017/18 but has established himself as a key member of the first team in the ongoing season.
So far this term, Macleod has made 14 appearances across all competitions, scoring and assisting two goals apiece. He has missed just two Championship games and also captained the team on one occasion – during a 3-1 defeat to Derby County in September.
A versatile operator, Macleod has essayed various roles in the middle of the park throughout his career. Be it out wide or centrally, he has also been effective in the No.10 role.
A combative midfielder, the former Scotland international brings bite and tenacity to the field with his aggressive nature. A strong tackler, he also has the ability to read threats and cut out attacks. Meanwhile, Macleod can impact the game in the attacking half of the field with his defence-splitting passes and can be a threat with his long-distance efforts.
Leeds United have started the season on a strong note and currently sit atop the Championship standings, with 30 points from 16 outings. Under new manager Marcelo Bielsa, the Whites are looking like serious contenders for promotion to the Premier League.
Leeds have a solid midfield contingent comprising of Mateusz Klich, Adam Forshaw, Kalvin Phillips and on-loan Lewis Baker. The young Jamie Shackleton is also an option. However, the Yorkshire-based outfit have been often plagued with injuries this term. After all, Bielsa’s high-intensity football will surely take a toll over the course of the long season.
And that is why bringing in Macleod would be a good move for the Whites. The 24-year-old, having returned from his injury issues, has shown that he can make a difference at this level and would add quality and strength to Leeds’ squad.
Moreover, given that his contract expires at the end of the season, he will be available on a cut-price fee. And hence, Bielsa and Leeds must act quickly and make a move to sign him in January.
