A deal to bring Michy Batshuayi to Leeds United this summer has been described as a ânon-starterâ.
Leeds are on the lookout for strikers to come into the squad and rival Patrick Bamford for a starting berth at Elland Road, with Chelsea striker Batshuayi previously linked.
Batshuayi, 26, previously played under Marcelo Bielsa at Marseille and adapted well to the Argentineâs demands, scoring 10 goals.
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Naturally, thereâs been speculation suggesting Bielsa could turn to Batshuayi to strengthen Leedsâ attack ahead of their Premier League return, but thatâs been quashed by a blunt update from David Anderson.
The Mirror journalist has tweeted claiming the deal to take Batshuayi to Elland Road from London is a ânon-starterâ.
Batshuayi has been on the books at Chelsea since the summer of 2016, but heâs managed only five starts in the Premier League for the Blues and has fallen out of favour under Frank Lampardâs new regime. Since arriving at the club, Batshuayi has had loan spells with Borussia Dortmund, Valencia and Crystal Palace.
For Leeds, they have Bamford as the clubâs only recognised striker and, after scoring 16 goals last season in the Championship last season, itâs likely he will be involved in Bielsaâs plans in the Premier League.
The Verdict
Bielsa and Batshuayi did some good work in France, but you could understand if the Leeds boss didnât want to take him to Elland Road this summer.
Heâs likely to be an expensive option and should he arrive youâd expect him to be a starter in the Leeds squad.
However, there is so much faith with Bamford and Bielsa probably sees him as the man to start the season as Leedsâ striker.
Thoughts? Let us know!