Sources: Bielsa freezes out Leeds international player, wants him gone next week

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Published on:

23 Jan 2020, 11:30 am

Marcelo Bielsa has frozen out Eunan O'Kane from the Leeds United senior squad even though he is recovered from injury, Football Insider understands.

The Republic of Ireland international, 29, is surplus to requirements at Elland Road and is not part of Bielsa’s planning for the second half of the campaign.

A Leeds source has told Football Insider that the club and manager Bielsa are keen to get O'Kane off the wage bill and for him to find a new club before the end of the month.

There are League One and League Two clubs keen on the former Bournemouth man but they would prefer a loan than a permanent deal.

O'Kane has 18 months remaining on the long-term contract he was handed by Andrea Radrizzani soon after he took over as Leeds owner.

The central midfielder has a wealth of top-level experience, including 16 Premier League appearances, 104 Championship matches, seven Ireland caps and he played a key role in Bournemouth's surge up the Football League.

Bielsa decided early in his Leeds reign that O'Kane did not figure in his plans and he was loaned out to Luton Town when they were in League One at the start of last season.

But he suffered a horrific double leg fracture early in the campaign and has only recently fully recovered.

Nevertheless, the Argentine manager has no intention of turning to O'Kane despite the unavailability of senior midfield pair, Adam Forshaw due to injury and Kalvin Phillips because of suspension.

In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED that the club have been given a huge new lift in Che Adams pursuit.

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