MX23RW : Tuesday, April 23 16:42:26| >> :120:10173:10173:

How Leeds United could line up with Conor Gallagher

Sports Mole takes a look at how Leeds United could line up next season if they sign Chelsea's Conor Gallagher on loan.

Leeds United are said to be one of a number of clubs interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on loan for the 2021-22 campaign.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan with West Bromwich Albion and enjoyed an impressive spell at the Hawthorns, scoring twice and providing two assists in 32 appearances.

The midfielder is expected to leave Stamford Bridge on another short-term basis this summer, and Leeds are said to be battling Newcastle United and Crystal Palace for his signature.

A permanent move is believed to be unlikely, with Chelsea earmarking him as a potential future first-team player, but it appears that the capital outfit are open to another loan exit.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how Marcelo Bielsa's side could line up if they manage to bring the Englishman to Elland Road in the coming weeks.


POSS LEE XI GAL

Leeds have a new left-back for the 2021-22 campaign, with the Whites signing Junior Firpo from Barcelona, and it will be fascinating to see how the defender performs in the Premier League, having found it difficult to make his mark at Camp Nou after impressing at Real Betis.

Illan Meslier will be the number one goalkeeper for the new season, while Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente are expected to be first choices at the back despite the presence of both Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk, who might need to be patient when it comes to spots in the first XI.

A permanent deal for Jack Harrison has been secured, meanwhile, and he will line up on the left, with Raphinha, who has been linked with an exit, featuring on the opposite side. The 24-year-old is thought to be admired by the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool but looks set to remain at Elland Road.

Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips are absolute certainties when it comes to the first XI, which would leave two spots up for grabs in the middle of the park. Rodrigo Moreno will be pushing for a position in midfield, but it will be incredibly difficult for Bielsa to leave out Stuart Dallas, who enjoyed an excellent 2020-21 Premier League season, scoring eight times in 38 appearances.

Gallagher would certainly have to battle for a spot in midfield, but there would be the opportunity for the Chelsea youngster to feature alongside Dallas and Phillips, with Harrison and Raphinha supporting Bamford in the final third of the field.

Gallagher would not be tasked with providing goals, but he did score 12 times in 53 appearances for Chelsea Under-18s, and there is no question that he would have the opportunity to break forward in a free-flowing Leeds side, who will hope to be a force again next term.

Leeds have also been credited with an interest in West Brom's Matheus Pereira, although it appears that West Ham United and Leicester City are ahead of the Whites when it comes to a possible deal for the 25-year-old, who showed last season that he is more than capable of performing at the top level.

ID:457200:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5270:
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Liverpool's Alisson celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on May 16, 2021
Read Next:
PL Team of the Week - Alisson, Torres, Thiago
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal33235577265174
2Liverpool33228375324374
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33127144653-743
12Fulham34126165054-442
13Bournemouth33119134860-1242
14Crystal Palace3399154256-1436
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton33108153448-1430
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3337233188-5716


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!