Leeds United have missed Liam Bridcutt this season, and perhaps they should test Forest’s resolve for the midfielder.
Leeds United let the spine of their team leave in the summer, waving good bye to Chris Wood, Robert Green and Liam Bridcutt, with defender Kyle Bartley not re-signing.
Bridcutt’s departure prompted the least hysteria, with Leeds feeling they had enough options in midfield to cope without a player who was not in favour with manager Thomas Christiansen.
However midfield has been a bit of a problem position for the Whites despite Adam Forshaw’s arrival in January.
This is because Leeds do not have an established partner for Forshaw – and Bridcutt would have been ideal.
Eunan O’Kane has had a disappointing season, Ronaldo Vieira has struggled to replicate last year’s form, Mateusz Klich was sent out on loan, and Kalvin Phillips has faded after a bright start to the campaign.
Letting Bridcutt leave does appear to have been a premature move from Leeds, although understandable considering Massimo Cellino only gave him a two-year deal in 2016, meaning they would have run the risk of letting him leave for free this summer.
But with changes at Leeds and Forest, the Whites might want to see if there is scope to bring him back.
Bridcutt’s industrious style would be a good fit alongside Forshaw, and his attitude and commitment would go down a treat with manager Heckingbottom.
New Forest manager Aitor Karanka has made sweeping changes since his arrival, and Bridcutt has not played a league game since January 20.
A groin problem has contributed to this, but added competition makes it tough for him to get back into the team.
Forest signed midfielders Ben Watson, Jack Colback and Adlene Guediora in January to add to a congested position group.
At the end of the season if Bridcutt is in a similar predicament at Forest as he was at Leeds last summer, the Whites should look to see if it is viable to bring him back to Elland Road.
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