Phil Hay has admitted that he can see Lewie Coyle departing Leeds United on a permanent basis in the January transfer window, with Fleetwood Town a ‘fair bet’ to be the right-back’s destination after a string of loan spells.

Leeds have found little room for Coyle in their first-team plans, with the 24-year-old’s last outing for the Whites coming on the final day of the 2016/17 campaign under Garry Monk.

Since then, he’s had three separate loan spells with Fleetwood, where he’s managed to make 111 appearances, including 18 this season under the management of Joey Barton.

The latest loan deal that saw Coyle move to Highbury is set to expire when January comes around, but The Athletic reporter Phil Hay has hinted that’s where his long-term future may lie.

Speaking in yesterday’s Q&A (17/11/2019), the Leeds expert had this to say: “I'd say a full-time move to Fleetwood is a fair bet in January, if both sides can work the financials out.”

Coyle has helped Fleetwood to eighth in the League One table at this midpoint in November, with Barton’s side looking to fight their way to the play-offs.

Back at Elland Road, Leeds sit third in the Championship, with Marcelo Bielsa having a range of options at right-back, including Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Gaetano Berardi and Jamie Shackleton.

The Verdict

It’s been quite obvious for some time that Coyle’s future laid away from Leeds, with Fleetwood undoubtedly the best place for him to move permanently.

He’s got his feet under the table and a manager that rates him highly, then, add to the fact he’s at a club fighting for the play-offs in League One, it is likely matching his ambitions.

Getting this sorted would be in the best interests of the player and Leeds.

Thoughts? Let us know!