Phil Hay has provided an important update on the future of Barry Douglas. While incomings have been the main Leeds United transfer news stories, the Whites are likely to make some sales before the window shuts.
Speaking on the latest edition of the Phil Hay Show, The Athletic’s Leeds reporter shed light on Douglas’ future.
Douglas has been linked with a move to Celtic. Hay doesn’t seem optimistic about his future at Elland Road, with Leeds having plenty of other options at left-back.
Hay said, “I know Douglas has been linked with Celtic [but] there hasn’t been much said about his future around here. I haven’t heard him discussed as somebody who might go.”
While there’s no news of an immediate move, Hay acknowledged Douglas is on the fringes of the squad and could be moved before the window shuts next month.
“But it does very much feel like he’s on the fringes – given how reliable Dallas is and given that you then have Alioski below [him].
"Bielsa’s view beyond the two players that he likes for any position is that any further padding or any further support for that area should come from the 23s.”
Bielsa’s belief in a smaller squad, and a desire to lean on younger players rather than veterans, doesn’t bode well for Douglas.
Hay continued, “It’s hard to see where this leaves Douglas, and his contract is starting to run down now. It doesn’t feel, still, as if this move is going to work for him as he would have wanted.”
It might not be long before Douglas is announced at a new club.
Leeds Face Premier League Competition For Chambers
Having missed out on Rob Holding after Arsenal pulled the plug on a deal, Leeds are in the race for another Arsenal defender in Calum Chambers.
The Gunners have a surplus of central defensive options, and despite a lot of early-season injuries, it is expected Mikel Arteta will have to sell one or two before the window shuts.
Chambers, a player who has never lived up to his potential at the club, seems like he could be on his way out.
According to TeamTalk (via Shields Gazette), Leeds are interested in Chambers, but could face competition from West Ham, Fulham and Newcastle.
Chambers is valued at £12 million, making him a cheap alternative compared to Josko Gvardiol, who reportedly rejected Leeds last week. That’s a relatively insignificant fee for a player with Premier League experience like Chambers.
The Whites are desperate to add a new centre-back in the next couple weeks and Chambers seems like one of the best value players available. One wonders if the price could be driven up by interest from fellow Premier League sides, however.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*
