Leeds backed to complete Yokuslu signing after inside source’s update – Phillips
Leeds United should forget John Swift and turn their attention to Celta Vigo midfielder Okay Yokuslu, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former Sunderland and England striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, is adamant Yokuslu, 27, would be “a great option” for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
The Whites are in the market for at least one midfielder in the January window following an injury to Kalvin Phillips.
A Leeds source told Football Insider (23 December) that the club are lining up a move for Reading star John Swift, 26.
The goalscoring midfielder could be available for a reduced fee next month as he is out of contract at the end of June.
However, Phillips believes Leeds should look elsewhere.
“An experienced foreign player could be an option for Leeds, someone who has been around a bit,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“Yokuslu would be a great option I think. He has experience in Europe as well as in the Premier League. I don’t think it would phase him, going to Leeds.
“He was brilliant for that short spell in the Premier League with West Brom.
“Personally, I think that would be a better option than Swift. It would make a lot more sense to me.”
Yokuslu spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom and impressed.
Leeds director of football told Spanish radio station Ao Contraataque (13 July) that he “liked” what he saw from Yokuslu in the Premier League.
In other news, a pundit has defended Bielsa after an ‘explosive moment’ on the Leeds training ground.