Leeds United may make a move for Sheffield United midfielder Luke Freeman, who joined the Premier League side at the beginning of the season.
The 27-year-old has made just three Premier League starts since his move to the Blades, and a further six substitute appearances.
As per The Sun (via Daily Star), Marcelo Bielsa has shortlisted Freeman and could plot a move for him in the January transfer window.
The midfielder’s current contract with the Blades expires two years from now in 2022. Sheffield United paid a club-record fee to sign from QPR in the summer, although it wasn’t revealed how much they paid.
Freeman was once a part of the Arsenal team, having signed from Gillingham in 2008 and stayed till 2012, but did not make a single senior appearance for the Gunners.
He has made 12 appearances for Sheffield United this season, but hasn’t yet registered an assist or got on the score-sheet.
Luke Freeman – What will he add to Leeds United?
Freeman began his career as a wide player, before being turned into a central midfielder at QPR. The left-footed player is comfortable playing as a central midfielder or further forward as an attacking midfielder.
The Englishman is technically sound and has the ability to shoot from distance or put in fantastic deliveries from set-pieces.
He likes to move the ball forward from the midfield thanks to his wonderful dribbling ability and get across the pitch in quick time. Freeman can move the ball quickly ahead with his passing or dribbling, which are good skills to have as a midfielder.
Freeman’s versatility, having played in all parts of the pitch, will also be a boon for Marcelo Bielsa, who likes players who can play in more than one position. It’s quite clear that Leeds lack depth in their squad in the midfield area as the likes of Stuart Dallas and Tyler Roberts have had to drop into those positions.
Freeman has been successful in the Championship before, which will help him adapt to his new club pretty easily, and help Leeds United’s push to get back into the Premier League.