Leeds United are in a fantastic position in the Championship and even though we don't know when next season will begin, the likelihood is that the Whites will start it in the Premier League.

Whether the Yorkshire side win promotion or not though, the transfer window is going to be crucial for Leeds and they will have some big decisions to make.

And, one dilemma facing the club will centre on the future of Ryan Edmondson. The young striker has shone for the U23 side over the past year or so but he hasn't managed to force his way into Marcelo Bielsa's plans.

That prompted former player Noel Whelan to call on the Whites to send the 18-year-old out on loan next season and here we outline THREE reasons why Leeds should do exactly that...

He needs competitive games

Whilst it's important for players to stay at Thorp Arch so they can try and adapt to the specific demands Bielsa has, ultimately, the way youngsters will improve comes by playing regularly.

Going to League One or Two will give Edmondson the minutes he needs and it will be totally different to playing in U23s.

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It will take Edmondson out of his comfort zone

Following on from that, it will force the youngster to grow up quickly.

That's not to say Edmondson is immature, but as someone who grew up in Harrogate and played for York, the likelihood is he will still have been in the same environment for most of his life.

Taking a chance and moving to another part of the country will be a challenge mentally and it can teach Edmondson to grow as a person, which could help his game in the long run.

He won't be needed at Leeds

Finally, the reality is that Edmondson is not going to be needed at Elland Road next season.

Even with injuries in the current campaign, Bielsa didn't turn to the teenager and with at least one new forward likely to arrive in the window it will force the striker further down the pecking order.

So, Leeds shouldn't block a loan move and it will be down to Edmondson to go elsewhere and to prove he deserves a shot when he returns.

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