Eunan O’Kane is expected to remain at Leeds United in the coming hours, with the midfielder’s exit more likely to come in the January transfer window.

Leeds will bring their summer business to an end at 5pm today, but it doesn’t seem O’Kane will be on the move, despite being outcast from Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team squad for the last two years.

According to Phil Hay of the Athletic, a move in January is more likely for O’Kane, with the Irish midfielder looking to get his fitness back after a horrific leg-break suffered last season whilst on loan with Luton Town.

Bielsa saw no place in his plans for O’Kane last summer, which resulted in his switch to Kenilworth Road. However, just three League One appearances materialised for the 29-year-old before injury struck.

In his Leeds career, O’Kane has made 56 appearances in the Championship, which have brought no goals and only five assists.

Thomas Christiansen was the manager who helped O’Kane reach his best levels, with the midfielder a regular at the beginning of the 2017/18 campaign, as his form earned him a long-term contract at Leeds, which still has two years remaining on it.

The Verdict

Pushing O’Kane through the door at this moment in time would be completely unfair on the midfielder, and Leeds are doing the best thing for their player here.

Offering him a base to train, and under-23 football, will allow O’Kane to get back 100% fit, which in turn, will make things easier for him to find a move in January.

In my eyes, League One probably beckons then for O’Kane, but that could be exactly what he needs to put his career back on track.

Thoughts? Let us know!