Marcelo Bielsa has spoken of bringing a couple of players to Leeds before the end of the loan window.
Crystal Palace attacker Jason Puncheon is reportedly set to be made available for loan by Eagles manager Roy Hodgson after falling down the pecking order at Selhurst Park – and Leeds United must consider a move.
According to a report from the Sun (print edition August 19th, page 60), Palace are looking to loan the 32-year-old star to a Championship side before the deadline on August 31.
The summer signing of Max Meyer on a free from Schalke, as well as hanging onto Wilfried Zaha has pushed Puncheon down the pecking order under former England boss Hodgson.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds have begun the season in flying form, winning all four matches against Stoke City, Derby County, Bolton Wanderers and Rotherham.
The Argentine manager has brought in only a handful of signings, in Jamal Blackman, Barry Douglas, Lewis Baker, Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford. Looking at the club’s starting eleven, it is difficult to think what could be improved.
But one injury in the attacking midfield area would see Leeds struggle to replace the likes of Samu Saiz or Pablo Hernandez with similar quality. Indeed, Leeds bench is a world away from the club’s starting eleven.
Bielsa needs to bring in some top-quality depth in attacking midfield to give the likes of Saiz, Hernandez and even Mateusz Klich some competition – but also cover to give the trio a rest or back-up if they are unavailable.
Puncheon’s attacking tenacity and direct style of play would fit right at home at Elland Road, if Bielsa chose to bring the player to Yorkshire. A loan move, then, would suit all parties.
Puncheon is not expected to be at Palace for much longer, with less than 12 months remaining on his contract, which is worth £35,000 a week (Daily Star).
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