Phillips issues ‘big’ Buckley claim after Sky’s Leeds transfer update
Kevin Phillips has suggested it would be a coup if Leeds United sign John Buckley from Blackburn this month.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Sunderland and England striker said the 22-year-old would bring quality to a position the Whites “desperately need to strengthen in.”
According to Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre (14 January, 11:24am), Leeds and Burnley are interested in signing Buckley in January.
The centre-midfielder has been one of Blackburn’s standout players this season.
He has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Ewood Park.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of Buckley’s credentials, Phillips said:
“Blackburn have been in great form this season and he’s been a big part of that. If you get a good player from a club that is flying in the Championship midway through the season you’ve done well.
“He’s a centre-midfielder which is a position Leeds desperately need to strengthen in. He’s versatile as well which is a bonus, so it’s a big signing if they can do it.
“At the end of the day though, it’s always a gamble signing a player from the Championship. It’s a jump to the Premier League. It could be a signing that pays off though.
“From Blackburn’s point of view, there is no way [Tony] Mowbray will let any of those players go on the cheap.”
Buckley has contributed one goal and six assists in 25 Championship appearances this term.
He’s a product of the club’s academy.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Leeds could rake it in after two new deals struck in last 48 hours.