Report: Leeds weighing up replacements for attacker, but Whites are confident of keeping him

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The Daily Mirror have claimed that Leeds United’s director of football Victor Orta is drawing up a shortlist of replacement for Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah, ahead of the January transfer window.

Nketiah, 20, joined Leeds on a season-long loan from Arsenal in the summer after opting to join the Whites over Bristol City. He is yet to start a Championship match, though, scoring three league goals from the bench.

The England Under-21 international has started twice in the League Cup, scoring against Salford City and Stoke City. He is currently sidelined with abdominal problem, but is expected to return to training almost instantly.

In the mean time, Patrick Bamford has excelled, taking his tally to six goals for the season with two in his last three. It could have been seven, only for the dubious goals panel to give Saturday’s second as an own goal by Matty Pearson.

It is believed Nketiah has to play a certain amount of game time for Arsenal to be able to recall the striker in January – though that figure has not been disclosed. Leeds remain confident they can keep him.

TBR’s view – Leeds need to keep hold of Nketiah with all their pull

Even if he is only being used a super sub by Leeds, Nketiah has already made a crucial impact on the side. His winning goal against Brentford, and changing the game against Barnsley with a goal and an assist, saw Leeds pick up six points – instead of two.

He also came off the bench against Preston to score an excellent header when the Whites had gone 1-0 down against the run of play. Bamford has improved in Nketiah’s absence, but the Gunners ace gives Bielsa a second option.

Keeping him at Elland Road beyond January is pivotal.