Leeds United should join Championship rivals in John McGinn race

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Leeds United have been conspicious by their absence in the chase for McGinn – the midfielder on the radar of Nottingham Forest and Celtic amongst others.

Just 14 games into Thomas Christiansen’s career in English football and it appears that Leeds United have stagnated already.

A superb start to the season had fans believing that they could go one better than 2016/17 and reach the play-offs but a disastrous run of form, encapsulating four defeats in five games, has Leeds glancing nervously over their shoulder at the chasing pack.

Many of the seemingly astute signings made by director of football Victor Orta are no longer having quite the same impact. As such, many supporters are already counting down the days until fresh blood can be brought in during the January transfer window.

And with a number of Leeds’ Championship rivals expressing an interest in Hibernian midfielder John McGinn in recent months, perhaps now is the time for The Whites to join the chase.

The highly-rated Scotland international was the subject of two bids from Nottingham Forest in the summer window while The Post claims that a third is likely to be on its way in January.

Aston Villa have also been linked while The Mail claimed in May that McGinn could have moved to Sunderland had David Moyes not resigned at the start of the summer. Scottish Champions Celtic, however, are reportedly more interested than most and it would be no surprise if they made a big bid in January.

Leeds, however, have not yet entered the discussion but it’s high time they did. Christiansen’s side have looked toothless in attack and lacking in ideas in recent weeks, summed up by Friday’s lethargic 2-1 defeat at home to league leaders Sheffield United.

Samu Saiz shone again at number ten but, behind him, Ronaldo Vieira and Eunan O’Kane failed to provide the incision or intensity required. That would surely not be an issue with the dynamic McGinn in the centre of midfield, however.

Hibs boss Neil Lennon insists that the 22-year-old is worth at least £5 million, per Edinburgh Reporter. But, blessed with creativity, intelligence and an eye for goal, he could be priceless for Leeds.