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Phil Hay indicates Marcelo Bielsa is pushing for one particular Leeds United transfer this summer

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Image for Phil Hay indicates Marcelo Bielsa is pushing for one particular Leeds United transfer this summer

Marcelo Bielsa is a big fan of Conor Gallagher as Leeds United work on a potential loan deal for the Chelsea midfielder.

Leeds have already secured the service of Junior Firpo this summer from Barcelona, solving their left-back issue.

Now, the focus is on signing a central midfielder, with Gallagher’s name emerging in the past week.

The Athletic have reported that Leeds are working on a deal to sign Gallagher on loan for the 2021/22 season, having already pitched their usual presentation to the 21-year-old.

Gallagher spent last season on loan with West Brom in the Premier League, impressing at The Hawthorns despite the Baggies’ relegation. He’s also had stints with Charlton Athletic and Swansea City in the Championship during the 2019/20 campaign.

The fact Leeds are chasing a straight loan has caused some dissatisfaction amongst supporters, who feel that the club could end up with another Ben White situation on their hands.

Chelsea are claimed to only be open to a loan deal, with no interest in a permanent deal.

Despite that, Phil Hay has claimed that Marcelo Bielsa is very keen on Gallagher, noting how the Leeds head coach likes he skill set and attributes:

Like a lot of Leeds’ supporters, there’s plenty of concern about a straight loan deal for Gallagher. Should he arrive and excel like White, Chelsea will be rubbing their hands together and the Whites will be left in a tough position.

However, what’s important at Elland Road this summer – as it always is – is getting Bielsa what he wants.

If Bielsa wants Gallagher, Leeds have to go and try their best to land him the midfielder. He likes what he offers and will clearly see how he fits into the system he wants to play at Elland Road.

Gallagher presses well out of possession, works hard with and without the ball, offering strong technical ability.

He thrived in a poor West Brom side, so, naturally, putting him alongside Stuart Dallas, Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips in Leeds’ midfield, should see his levels increase again.

We’ve come this far trusting Bielsa, so there’s little point changing that now. If he wants Gallagher – even on loan – we’ve got to back him.

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.