Report: Bolton and Burton want Leeds United defender Conor Shaughnessy

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Leeds United youngster Conor Shaughnessy is a target for League One duo Bolton Wanderers and Burton Albion, according to Leeds Live.

The highly-rated central defender was on loan in the Scottish Premiership with Hearts last season and excelled north of the border.

He played 12 games for the Jam Tarts last season and looked comfortable playing men’s football on a frequent basis.

The 23-year-old is out of favour under Marcelo Bielsa and Bolton and Burton are both willing to take the academy graduate on loan.

Shaughnessy does have 15 Leeds appearances to his name but none of come under the current management and a departure looks inevitable.

Bolton have the edge over Burton in the race for his signature. The crisis-club are being stopped from signing players due to the protracted takeover.

If that does stop the Trotters from doing business then Nigel Clough could pounce. The Brewers signed Oliver Sarkic following his release from Elland Road last month.

TBR Verdict – Shortsighted deal from a Leeds point of view?

Although Shaughnessy hasn’t been included in the Leeds team since Bielsa arrived, it might have been a good time for him to keep him around.

The 23-year-old is one of very few central defenders in place at Elland Road and a few injuries could leave Bielsa short.

Leeds fans will look towards the games that Shaughnessy has played for the club as perfect examples of him not being good enough.

With Pontus Jansson now departed, however, it might have been the perfect time to take a proper look at the young central defender.

He will need to impress in League One if he is to prove to Leeds that he can still have a future at the club.