Leeds United planning to offload midfielder this January | OneFootball

Highlights

Leeds United are willing to offload Lewis Bate this January transfer window.

According to Darren Witcoop, the Whites are open to offers for the midfielder during the winter window as he struggles for game time in Daniel Farke’s side.

Bate has made just one appearance for the Yorkshire outfit in all competitions this campaign.

The 21-year-old came off the bench in a 2-1 win over Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Cup at the start of August.

Since then, he has been playing a role in the club’s underage side, featuring five times in the Premier League 2.

Lewis Bate transfer latest

It is believed that the Championship side will be willing to cash in on the player if an acceptable offer arrives.

It is clear that Farke has no plans to use Bate in his first team plans given he has yet to feature for a single minute in the Championship this season.

The midfielder spent last year out on loan with League One side Oxford United, where he helped the team earn an underwhelming 19th place finish.

Bate featured 28 times in the third division, contributing one goal and three assists from 24 starts.

Bate could be one of a number of player exits at Elland Road this January, with Luke Ayling having already moved to Middlesbrough.

Djed Spence has returned to Tottenham Hotspur after his loan spell with Leeds was cut short by the Championship side.

Speculation also persists over other players in the squad, such as Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville.

The likes of Charlie Cresswell and Joe Gelhardt may also depart, with clubs showing an interest in the two youngsters.

But Bate appears the most likely to depart, with Leeds now open to offers for the player, as Farke looks to construct a squad capable of earning Premier League promotion this year.

Leeds United league position

Leeds are currently fourth in the Championship table, seven points adrift of second place Ipswich Town ahead of this weekend’s return to league action.

The Whites progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup last weekend with a 3-0 win over Peterborough United.

But Farke’s side will have their sights firmly set on gaining ground on the Tractor Boys in the coming weeks.

Next up for the Yorkshire club is a trip away to Cardiff City on 13 January.

A sensible decision by Leeds

Bate has been unable to break into the first team squad at Elland Road this season, so it makes complete sense to cash in on him this month.

A drop down to League One seems a distinct possibility, but no interested clubs have yet come forward with a concrete offer for the midfielder.

Bate needs the move away in order to get more regular playing time, as he needs to continue his development by gaining better experience.