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Having demanded him at Marseille, would Bielsa consider rescuing Manquillo in January?

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Leeds United may be in the market for a new right back in 2019.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa watches on from the technical area during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Bristol City at Elland Road on November 24, 2018 in...

Leeds United are having problems at the back, and whilst Marcelo Bielsa has been coping, some January additions in defence may just aid their promotion hopes.

The Whites are without first-choice right back Luke Ayling, and youngster Jamie Shackleton seemingly hasn’t done quite enough to convince Bielsa that he’s Championship ready right now.

Winger Stuart Dallas has been used at right back instead, and whilst he is trying his best, a more natural option may be required in the January window, allowing Shackleton to potentially go out on loan.

One player Bielsa has wanted in the past is Newcastle right back Javier Manquillo, with Bielsa – as quoted by Marca in 2014 – admitting that he demanded the Spaniard was brought to Marseille, only for him not to join.

Bielsa finally signed ex-Liverpool loanee Manquillo in 2015 but barely had chance to work with him as he left his post as Marseille boss just weeks later, and his career has since taken him back to England with Sunderland and now Newcastle United.

Manquillo is now struggling for playing time with the Magpies, and hasn’t played a first-team game for nearly two months, even being passed up for last night’s trip to Burnley when left back Paul Dummett was out.

Newcastle United's Javier Manquillo arrives for the Premier League Match between Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth at St.James' Park on November 10, 2018, in Newcastle upon Tyne,...

The Spaniard needs playing time somewhere, and a loan move to Leeds would give him that opportunity whilst strengthening Bielsa’s options and handing the duo a reunion that would surely make sense for all in January.

Javier Manquillo of Newcastle United battles for possession with Josh Murphy of Cardiff City during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Newcastle United at Cardiff City...