Former Leeds United forward Noel Whelan insists that the club should have no worries about selling Adam Forshaw because they have a perfect replacement available in Jamie Shackleton.

Forshaw has been linked with a move to Fulham in recent weeks as the Cottagers look to rebuild following relegation and whilst most Whites fans wouldn't be too disappointed to see the ex-Middlesbrough man leave, he did feature regularly under Marcelo Bielsa.

However, Whelan, now a BBC pundit covering the Yorkshire outfit, told Football Insider that Shackleton is an upgrade on the central midfielder.

"If you are letting him go, you’ve got to have somebody in place to come and take over that role (Shackleton). He caused more problems in that area than Forshaw did. I would be not too bothered if Forshaw did leave because I think we’ve got somebody there that can do a better job."

The academy graduate was involved in 21 league games for the Whites last season, although he didn't always play in midfield, with Bielsa using him as a full-back on many occasions.

The Verdict

This shows just how highly-rated Shackleton is at Elland Road and many fans will agree with everything that Whelan has said here.

Forshaw hasn't made the impact that many hoped he would and even though he is a tidy, reliable performer, you do think he can do more.

Whereas, Shackleton can be more progressive in his play and given his age he still has a lot of room for improvement which is why he is such an exciting talent.

Ultimately, Bielsa has shown he is prepared to give youth a chance and if he feels as though Shackleton is ready to feature more prominently then cashing in on Forshaw and using that money elsewhere could be a smart move.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.