Leeds tipped to sign Phillips replacement as well as striker loan after Hay update – pundit
Alan Hutton has tipped Leeds United to explore the possibility of loan signings in January to help cover the number of injuries suffered this season.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Whites simply need “reinforcements” to bolster their squad next month.
As reported by the Athletic’s Phil Hay on Sunday (26 December), Leeds are set to be without Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips until late January at the earliest after both suffering hamstring injuries.
Meanwhile, Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo, Pascal Struijk and Dan James were all doubts to return before the end of the year.
Hutton suggested backup and competition for Phillips and Bamford should be a priority for Marcelo Bielsa.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “They just need bodies in, I think.
“They just need help, reinforcements, whether it be loans or being able to buy players. I think they need people in.
“I always thought that when Kalvin Phillips doesn’t play, they don’t look the same team and they never really had somebody to come in and help him.
“Bamford, the same situation. When he wasn’t fit and he wasn’t playing, who was going to come in and fill that void?
“There are areas on the pitch where I think they need to strengthen. Some they can’t help it. When it’s your back four and three of them are injured, there’s not a lot you can do.
“There are certain areas where I do think they’ve got to strengthen. I’ve thought this since the beginning of the season and they didn’t do it.
“That time is approaching where they have to now.”
Phillips has missed Leeds’ last three games after going off against Brentford earlier in December.
Meanwhile, Bamford sat out nine league games with an ankle injury.
In other news, Leeds United favourite tipped to agree release clause deal in contract talks.