Nigel Clough intends to talk to Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom over Luke Murphy.
Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he will be on the phone in an attempt to convince Leeds United manager Paul Heckingbottom that Luke Murphy can do a job at Elland Road next season – but what does that mean for Mateusz Klich?
Murphy has spent the last 18 months on loan at the Pirelli Stadium, becoming a crucial part of Clough’s side and the Brewers fight against relegation. It has seen become almost forgotten at Elland Road.
But the 28-year-old midfielder still has a year remaining on his Leeds contract, which the Daily Star claim is worth £10,000 a week after signing a four-year deal with the Whites in 2015.
Leeds already boast a whole host of central midfield talent, including the likes of Adam Forshaw, Eunan O’Kane, Ronaldo Vieira and Kalvin Phillips. Japan international Yosuke Ideguchi is on loan with Cultural Leonesa.
However, 10-time Poland international Mateusz Klich was quoted earlier this month as saying Leeds want him back after his short loan to Dutch side FC Utrecht which lasted from January until now.
A summer signing from FC Twente, 27-year-old Klich was hardly given a sniff at Elland Road before being loaned out but his recent comments suggest that Leeds have not given up hope on him.
But if Heckingbottom indeed listens to what Clough has to say about Murphy, surely Klich’s chances of first-team action will be put on the back burner once again?
Murphy boasts huge Football League experience, clocking up 323 appearances but the calibre of Klich is certainly higher after turning out for his country. Both are known for their passing and technical ability, as well as being tough in the tackle.
With the players so similar in terms of style, Klich may find it tough to work his way back into the Leeds side next season if the Whites give Murphy another chance.
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