Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United have gone on record as saying that they don’t envisage many, if any, incoming players to Elland Road in January.
Still, that has not stopped the build up of column inches as reports come out that the Whites are interested in one player or another. It’s the nature of the beast for Leeds United fans, such is the interest surrounding the club.
That ‘interest’ has, of course, been ramped up a notch or two since the Whites appointed Argentinian coaching legend Bielsa. The Argentinian, feted by likes of Pep Guardiola, has stamped his own authority at Elland Road.
Leeds are a club running on the philosophy of Marcelo Bielsa, that much is apparent. It is an ethos that he has brought to West Yorkshire, not just a style of play. So when Bielsa says something, it’s almost a cast-iron guarantee it’ll be happening.
So, when it comes to the supposed lack of transfers, the Bielsa view is the one to run with. Yet, one area that many reports are concerning themselves with is the last line of defence – the goalkeeper.
Here many names are put forward as being pursued by Leeds United: Tom Heaton, Karl Darlow and Kieren Westwood to name but three. Sun reporter Alan Nixon sees things differently though:
Bielsa famously criticised Bailey Peacock-Farrell after a series of hesitant errors. However, the young Northern Ireland international has bounced back and is looking more assured in his general play. He has also been a big part of the reasons why United have six wins in their last seven games.
In all, since being installed as Bielsa’s #1 at the club, Peacock-Farrell has featured in 21 Championship games for the Whites, conceding 18 goals and keeping nine clean sheets.
United take on Aston Villa in a televised game under the glare of the Sky Sports cameras on Sunday. It is a match up where three points for the Whites would see them head into the festive period as table toppers. It is a powerful position to be in, one where Bailey Peacock-Farrell will be right at the heart of it.
