This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Leeds United head into the international break on the back of a defeat last time out against Millwall, a result that leaves Marcelo Bielsa's side down in fifth place in the Championship, two points behind leaders West Brom.

With plenty to address within his squad, Bielsa does have half an eye on the future, with 19-year-old Coventry City defender Sam McCallum a target, according to a report on Football Insider.

But is McCallum the type of player Leeds should really be trying to sign in the January transfer window?

We discuss.........

Ned Holmes

“No, I don’t think so.

“Leeds have got some good depth at full-back, with Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski on the left and Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas on the right.

“Their current defensive issues are the lack of cover in the centre and I can’t see how McCallum will help that.

“You have to ask whether he is ready for the Championship. The teenager has very little EFL experience and doesn’t seem to be first-choice in the Coventry City team with Brandon Mason now fit.

“The only reason I can see for bringing him in during the January transfer window would be to ensure other clubs don’t snap him up.”

Chris Gallagher

"Certainly shouldn't be a priority signing.

"The January window is crucial to sides in the promotion race as it gives you the chance to make the one or two necessary tweaks to help you over the line.

"Clearly, McCallum isn't going to add much to the team right now with Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski, two good left-backs, ahead of him in the pecking order.

"Of course, he will be seen as one for the future so bringing him won't be a negative providing Leeds address the glaring weaknesses they have in the squad first - signing a central defender for one.

"So, he would be a sensible long-term move but they need to be targeting others first as January is a crucial month."

Jacob Potter

"Their priorities should be elsewhere if I’m being honest.

"McCallum is a good player, but I have my doubts as to whether he should be Leeds’ number one target heading into the January transfer window.

"They need to be signing experienced players who know the standard required in the Championship, and unfortunately McCallum doesn’t fit that criteria at the moment.

"He’s going to have a bright future ahead of him if recent performances are anything to go by, but Leeds need to be signing proven players at this level if they’re to have an adequate amount of squad depth going forward.

"If they don’t get the players they need in during January’s transfer window, then they won’t win promotion to the Premier League this season."

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