The former Leeds United manager is being linked with the Notts County vacancy.
Paul Heckingbottom could return to management with Notts County, almost six months after leaving Leeds United.
That is according to Nottinghamshire Live, who understand that Heckingbottom has already held talks to succeed Harry Kewell, the former Leeds winger, at Meadow Lane.
But which Whites players – if any – could the 41-year-old target if he’s appointed by the League Two side?
HITC takes a look…
A central defender
Notts have leaked the most goals of any club in England’s fourth tier this season (39). And with Ross Fitzsimons impressing, addressing the positions directly in front of the goalkeeper could be the new man’s first priority in January. Leeds have plenty of options to choose from, with Hugo Diaz, Pascal Struijk and Aapo Halme all known to Heckingbottom – although a first team shortage could leave the Whites reluctant to lose any of their centre-backs for now.
A central midfielder
Some County fans have already called for centre-of-the-park reinforcements this winter, with Michael O’Connor’s shoes proving particularly difficult to fill. Conor Shaughnessy would be ideal if it weren’t for Leeds’ centre-back issues, although Callum Nicell and Alfie McCalmont could each fit the bill for Heckingbottom.
A striker
Injured duo Jon Stead and Kane Hemmings have done their bit this season, scoring six and five goals respectively, but that’s more than can be said of deputies Lewis Alessandra and Kristian Dennis (one apiece). Some new blood could therefore be sought in January, with Leeds’ Ryan Edmondson an appealing option if so. The 17-year-old recently scored twice against Notts County’s Under-23s and, like Diaz, Struijk, Shaugnessy and Nicell, was involved in some capacity by Heckingbottom last term. Sam Dalby also scored in the aforementioned fixture, and could be another option considered.
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