Leeds tipped to seal up to three ‘big’ January signings after Phillips update – pundit
Alan Hutton has tipped Leeds United to sign up to three new players in January to help cope with their injury problems.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Whites could bring in cover and competitions for Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford next month.
As reported by the Athletic on Monday (13 December), Phillips, 26, has been ruled out for two months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury.
The Whites have also missed Bamford for much of the season, with the striker also out with a hamstring problem at present.
With injuries blighting the Yorkshire outfit, Hutton suggested Leeds could make “big” signings at centre-back, centre-midfield and striker.
Asked if he thought Phillips’ injury would force Leeds into the transfer window, Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think they have to.
“I’m still going to stick by what I’ve said before in that I think they need another striker too. If Bamford is not fit, they seem to struggle.
“Midfield, you could run through a few positions, centre-half too. They just seem to be picking up injuries all over the pitch. It’s making it very difficult for them.
“It always seems to be big players for them. It could be Llorente, Ayling, Bamford. It’s always the big players.
“Yes, Forshaw has come in and done well. If you want to be challenging for the top half, you need all your top players fit. Other ones can come in and add to that quality.
“We know Bielsa likes to be meticulous with his signings and who he brings into the club. It’ll be interesting to see what areas that he does decide to strengthen. It could be big.”
Bamford has managed to make just six appearances this season, primarily due to an ankle injury.
He returned and scored against Brentford but also suffered a hamstring problem.
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