Leeds in danger of error as Blackburn eye Niall Huggins

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Leeds United seemingly bracing themselves for a number of departures before the window shuts with Leeds Live reporting that Niall Huggins is one of several youngsters training separately.

Huggins is reportedly attracting attention from Blackburn Rovers. And judging by his training situation, it would appear that Leeds are open to letting the 20-year-old leave.

It is a surprise. Huggins signed a new contract until 2023 just last year. And Marcelo Bielsa handed him a debut in February – at Arsenal, of all places.

Unfortunately, that may prove to be his only appearance for the senior side at Leeds.

Bielsa has shown in the past that he is not prepared to make a selfish decision on a youngster’s career. Clarke Oduor was sold to Barnsley in 2019, and Bielsa subsequently confirmed that he wanted him to stay.

So the Argentinian may have similar feelings this time around. Perhaps Huggins is the one sensing that he needs to leave.

But that does not change the fact that letting Huggins leave could well prove to be an error from the Whites.

Huggins looks to be exactly the kind of player Bielsa loves, so would Leeds rue sale?

The Wales under-21 international was excellent for the under-23s last term. And what was so impressive was that he seemed to play almost everywhere for Mark Jackson’s side.

He played in both full-back and wing roles. He also featured centrally at times.

That arguably makes him a very good option for Bielsa. The Leeds boss seems to value versatility incredibly highly.

He is obviously not the finished article yet by any means. But he certainly appears to be good enough to be in that group of under-23s knocking on the first-team door.

And Leeds must surely be aware that they could ultimately rue letting him leave if he is indeed on the way out.