Leeds United have a chance to snap up a January transfer target for free, after Lewis Macleod was released from Brentford at the end of the season just gone.

The Scottish Sun reported back in December that Leeds were poised to step up their interest in the Brentford midfielder, who had a disappointing second half of the season.

The big question now is whether Leeds will still be interesting in securing the services of the injury-prone midfielder, who was once rumoured to be the man to replace Samu Saiz.

Injury-prone or not, Macleod is an investment that we think Leeds should make.

For literally no fee, Leeds could get themselves an extra midfielder that could impact games as the Whites will search for promotion again next campaign.

Leeds' lack of midfield depth was telling in the play-offs, with the largely forgotten about Izzy Brown being called upon off the bench when Bielsa's men were in search of a goal against Derby.

Frank Lampard's club had more energy than Leeds over the two legs, and an extra man like Lewis Macleod could have made a difference.

Still only 24, Macleod could be an astute addition for the Whites. He showed great potential when at Rangers, and can play across the midfield, whether a box-to-box or more attack-minded player. He has a good passing range, is energetic, and can control games from midfield.

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The Scotsman fits the Bielsa mould, with the only real disadvantage being his fitness record.

He made zero starts in 2019, getting just nine minutes of action, in what was a frustrating end to what had been a good start to the season.

The midfielder scored three goals and assisted a further two in his 17 Championship appearances, and he was a regular for Dean Smith before his move to Aston Villa.

Macleod would not be the first choice for many Leeds fans and he would not walk straight into their eleven, but he is a cheaper alternative to some of the names being linked with the club.

If he could stay fit, he would be a good versatile option in midfield that could add goals to the Whites, for no fee at all.