Bournemouth and a clutch of clubs want to sign Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton on loan this summer, according to The Athletic.
The 21-year-old star is in desperate need of a regular run of minutes in a senior fold after seeing his path blocked at Elland Road. Marcelo Bielsa started Shackleton in just three of Leeds’ Premier League fixtures last season, with 10 further substitute appearances.
Shackleton additionally only played one minute over the Whites’ final 14 games, after replacing the injured Raphinha in stoppage-time during April’s win at Manchester City. While Bielsa often utilised the United product at right-back, along with in central midfield.
The Athletic now name Bournemouth among a clutch of vultures circling Leeds in hopes of signing Shackleton on loan. The Cherries failed to secure their return to the top-flight last term after losing to Brentford in the play-off semi-finals.
Boss Scott Parker has already signed one player from the Whites since replacing Jonathan Woodgate at Dean Court. Leif Davis joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan from Leeds in July, which carries an option to buy. But Shackleton is unlikely to join the full-back.
Bielsa still considers Shackleton to be a part of his plans at Elland Road, despite his limited game time. The Whites product is likely to remain in West Yorkshire to continue offering his support next term.
Shackleton will likely also hope to be given consistent minutes in the cups, along with in the Premier League. The England U20 international started United’s FA Cup defeat at Crawley Town and Carabao Cup loss to Hull last season.
Shackleton needs more than cup minutes at Leeds amid Bournemouth interest
Shackleton likely needs more than just cup minutes at Leeds next season if Bielsa does snub Bournemouth and other interest. The youngster’s development could stagnate with further lengthy runs on the bench, having become somewhat a forgotten player last term.
He also struggled to make a telling impact on proceedings in the midfielder’s last top-flight start. Shackleton was steady but unremarkable against Wolves in February, despite bringing some energy to the engine room.
Bielsa also noted in December how Shackleton needed to grow into games for Leeds and did not always remain influential. The Argentine said, via Leeds Live: “[Against West Brom] it took him a little longer to adapt to the game.
“The last game [against Burnley] he was slightly more influential. Good organisation, energetic, he’s quick, he can surprise opponents, plays in a position which has many varieties as a box-to-box midfielder.”
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