Leeds tipped to sign top utility man as source reveals Orta transfer plot underway
Alan Hutton has tipped Leeds United to sign a versatile midfielder as cover for Kalvin Phillips this summer.
The former Scotland international, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Whites may struggle to convince another specialist enforcer to join as backup behind the homegrown hero.
As revealed by Football Insider sources, Leeds have made signing a new defensive midfielder a top priority this summer.
It is understood director of football Victor Orta is working on a shortlist of targets who can provide cover and competition for Phillips next season.
The 25-year-old’s importance to the side has been evident when he has been missing.
With Phillips almost nailed on for a starting role when fit, Hutton suggested Orta may struggle to convince players to join due to a lack of playing time.
As such, he suggested Leeds may have to turn to a top utility man instead.
“He’s not missed a lot this season but the times he has, you can see the difference that he makes within the team,” Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“They have not really got another player that can fit into that role. He’s a key figure, let’s be honest. He’s probably one of the first names on the team sheet. When he doesn’t play, you can tell that he’s not on the pitch.
“Sometimes, as a manager, you’re looking for versatile players the can play a couple of possessions. I think that would probably be more ideal because if Kalvin Phillips is fit, he plays.
“It’s difficult to attract players to a team if they just play that one possession and you know you’re going to be back up. It can always be a little bit difficult. They’ll want to strengthen like every other team.
“You can never stand still in the Premier League, that’s the one thing. If you want to progress, you need to continue to build season on season. I’m sure Bielsa will already be in the middle of these plans for next season.”
Pascal Struijk and Robin Koch have filled in for Phillips on occasion but neither have successfully filled the void.
The Whites have only won two of the nine Premier League games the Leeds-born talent has missed this season.
He sat out Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Brighton due to a knee injury picked up in training.
In other news, Leeds United tipped to sign striker after journalist’s “very confident” £18m man reveal.