Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton is keen to sign Leeds United’s Robbie Gotts on loan but believes he will face “numerous” other clubs in the race for his signature, speaking to Lincolnshire Live.
Marcelo Bielsa may be a huge fan of the Yorkshire-born 20-year-old but finding a place for him in a highly talented Leeds midfield is easier said than done.
After all, Kalvin Phillip and Matheus Klich are positively nailed to Balsa’s team sheet while, in Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Tyler Roberts, Stuart Dallas, Pascal Struijk and more, the Premier League high-flyers are hardly short of players capable of thriving in the centre of the park.
A loan spell away from Elland Road feels like the right move for Gotts.
And Appleton would love to bring the versatile ball-player to Sincil Bank before Friday’s deadline.
“I am guessing there are numerous clubs in the race (to sign Gotts),” says the former Portsmouth boss after leading the Imps to four wins out of five in League One.
“We would love to give the opportunity to a young player and hopefully build a relationship.
“Robbie is obviously somebody we are aware of but I am sure there are probably four or five other clubs at this moment in time who want the same thing.”
Appleton is right.
Third-tier rivals Sunderland, Swindon Town and Hull City are also interested, as are a Huddersfield side coached by Bielsa protégé Carlos Corberan (Echo).
And Appleton is at pains to point out that, due to the finances involved in a potential loan fee, a deal for Gotts may be impossible.
Leeds United’s record transfers
- Rodrigo (2020)
£26 million
- Raphinha
£21 million (2020)
- Rio Ferdinand (2000)
£18 million
- Diego Llorente (2020)
£18 million
- Helder Costa (2020)
£16 million
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