McLeish: ‘I’m hearing’ Aston Villa working on multiple signings amid Leeds verdict
Alex McLeish has suggested Leeds United will struggle to sign competition for Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips without serious financial backing while Aston Villa continue to spend.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland boss suggested the Whites would need to copy big-spending Aston Villa to significantly strengthen their squad.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post (31st August), Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta insisted he was happy with the strength in depth of the squad, especially in midfield.
He revealed a difference in “valuations” meant they failed to strike a deal with Huddersfield for Lewis O’Brien.
Leeds’ most notable signings were Junior Firpo and Dan James from Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.
McLeish admitted the Whites look “short” of quality backup in the defensive midfield and striker slots.
However, he suggested finances would determine Leeds’ ability to pull off such signings.
“I guess it comes down to the backing from above,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“Aston Villa, for instance, have backed Dean Smith to the hilt. I’m hearing he’s even in the market for more players this season. They’ve acquired one or two.
“Leeds, if they lose Bamford or Kalvin Philips, they do seem to be a little bit short of the top-level quality.
“Although it’s hard to bring in top-level quality of the same kind of two players we’re talking about it. How do you get them on the same team?
“There’s a balance, there has to be a balance or an adjustment of tactical strategy.”
Bamford has started all three league games this season,
Meanwhile, Phillips has started two after being left as an unused substitute against Manchester United.
In other news, Leeds United tipped to launch fresh transfer bid after £13million reveal.