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One winner and one loser as Leeds United miss out on 21-year-old

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Leeds United are reportedly set to miss out on a prime target, as Chelsea man Conor Gallagher closes in on a move to Crystal Palace.

While Leeds’ starting lineup doesn’t need much improvement beyond the signings already made, some attention is needed to address the depth of the squad.

A position in particular that would be much better off with more depth is central midfield.

Chelsea 21-year-old Gallagher has been linked to the club with a loan move, as reported by Football.London who claim the Whites are after a loan move for the player.

Having played last season on loan at West Brom, Gallagher impressed and could be a shrewd signing for whoever he joins this summer.

However, Leeds’ efforts to sign the midfielder were in vain after it has been revealed that he has decided to join Crystal Palace for this season, with more guarantees of playing time at Selhurst Park.

Here, we take a look at one winner and one loser at Elland Road as Gallagher snubs Elland Road…

Winner: Adam Forshaw

The midfielder has had such a hard time in the past two seasons with constant setbacks hampering what would have been a brilliant part of his career.

He’s looking to get back up to speed at the moment and show to Bielsa that he has something to offer to the side going into 2021/22.

A feature in the friendly against Guiseley was a huge milestone for him but the talks to sign Gallagher would have knocked his confidence somewhat.

If Leeds go fail to bring in a midfielder, he’s the definite winner because it means he has a massive role to play n the squad this season.

Loser: Mateusz Klich

The loser here is the man who would now looks like having less assured depth behind him in the squad, in Mateusz Klich.

Klich has been almost undroppable in the past three seasons under Bielsa and while it’s a testament to his fitness levels, everyone can do with a rest every now and then.

It would benefit him hugely though if he had a player competing for him in the squad so he doesn’t have to play essentially every minute in the league and has some healthy competition.

You’d think that Gallagher joining would have meant Klich was able to have more of a rest and look fresher more often with more strength in depth behind him.

Gallagher’s intensity and fitness levels are something that would have been a great asset to us going forward.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.