Do Leeds United already have an unpopular in-house replacement for Alex Mowatt?

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Could Matt Grimes step up if Alex Mowatt leaves?

Barnsley are reported to be holding talks with Leeds United over a deal for attacking midfielder Alex Mowatt, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Mowatt has made only four Championship starts this season for Leeds, plus a further 11 appearances from the bench.

Letting him go this late in the transfer window would complicate plans for the Whites, who are yet to add to their squad, despite needing a striker and arguably a defender and a winger.

Mowatt is none of these, but Leeds would surely not let him depart if they did not have a replacement lined up.

Leeds’ Alex Mowatt celebrates scoring their second goal

Mowatt has been backing up playmaker Pablo Hernandez this season, but Leeds are well covered if in case of injury already.

Kemar Roofe has played the attacking midfield role previously, while it could also be a position in which Swedish forward Marcus Antonsson could get chances, instead of being stuck on the bench behind Chris Wood.

Another option is to move Ronaldo Vieira or Eunan O’Kane further forward – while another could be to give a more prominent role to loanee Matt Grimes.

Leeds United’s Matt Grimes

Grimes, on loan from Swansea, has failed to make an impact since signing in the summer and so far looks the only dud recruited by Garry Monk.

Mowatt’s potential departure could change this, and allow Grimes a chance to flourish if required, in a more attacking role.

The England under-21 international has not looked strong enough for a holding role in the Championship, but if given license to create and get forward, with a combination of Bridcutt, Vieira, O’Kane or even Phillips behind, he could start to come good.

Garry Monk is clearly a believer in Grimes, or he would have sent him back to Swansea by now if he did not feel he could play a role still this season.

Having the midfielder available could well be affecting Monk’s decision when it comes to Mowatt, and while fans will rightly be sceptical regarding Grimes, he may have an increased opportunity over the coming months to prove them wrong.