Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has reportedly ruled out moves for two goalkeepers that have been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road amid United’s goalkeeper woes.
According to The Mirror, Newcastle United shot stopper Freddie Woodman and Burnley’s out of favour ‘keeper Tom Heaton will not be joining Leeds United in the January transfer window.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa and Director of Football Victor Orta have been holding talks over the past few weeks to discuss the club’s goalkeeper crisis. With loanee Jamal Blackman suffering a broken leg in a reserve game after clashing with Birmingham City attacker Beryly Lubala, number one Bailey Peacock-Farrell is the only fit, senior goalkeeper available for Bielsa.
Youngsters Will Huffer and Kamil Miazek came into the first team against Bristol City when Peacock-Farrell was ruled out injured, but United have been heavily linked with moves for several ‘keepers in the passing weeks.
Birmingham City’s David Stockdale, West Brom’s back-up shot stopper Johnathan Bond, Tom Heaton of Burnley and Newcastle United youngster Freddie Woodman are four of many names to have been linked with Leeds United in the past few weeks. However, Orta and Bielsa have reportedly ruled out bringing in either Woodman or Heaton.
It is unknown whether the Championship side have opted not to go for a goalkeeper at all, or if they have just decided against the two Englishmen.
If he does bring in a new ‘keeper, Bielsa wants to bring in a shot stopper that matches his play style. The new man in between the sticks will need to be as comfortable with the ball at his feet as he is with it in his hands.
