TBR View: Leeds need to beat Newcastle and Wilder in race for Manchester United man

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are reportedly battling Sheffield United for Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo ahead of the January transfer window with a potential loan deal in the offing – but surely Leeds United need to throw their hat into the ring?

Rojo, 31, is out of contract next summer and while he was included in Manchester United’s 25-man Premier League list – he has not made a single appearance for United’s first team. His contract expires on June 30, making him available next month.

The Athletic claim that Newcastle and Sheffield United want Rojo – while two Spanish sides have made enquiries. Rojo earns a whopping £100k-a-week, clocking up just 122 appearances for United since joining the club in 2014 for £16million (BBC).

Meanwhile, Leeds are lacking at the heart of their defence. Injuries to Diego Llorente and Robin Koch has left Marcelo Bielsa without cover at centre-back – and Luke Ayling is already playing out of position to cover the injured duo.

Leeds need a central defender and why not one that not only shares nationality with the Whites boss and has 61 caps for his country, but one that can be signed on loan – and temporarily add cover, instead of a more expensive permanent addition.

Rojo is excellent with the ball at his feet, showing versatility in being able to play in the middle of a back four, on the left of a back three or even as a left-back. He would be the ideal mould of a centre-back for Bielsa’s men.

Experienced but with speed, landing Rojo ahead of Newcastle and the Blades would be good business for the Whites – if they can tempt bitter rivals Manchester United into doing business with them.