Leeds United have been linked with a move for George Hall ahead of the January transfer window and now a new update has emerged that could make the club’s pursuit more difficult.
What’s the latest?
According to Football Insider, both Everton and Liverpool are set to battle Leeds for the signing of the Birmingham City midfielder.
As per the report, the two Merseyside clubs are looking to strengthen their personnel in the centre of the pitch, however, Leeds remain interested in securing the player’s services after having a bid rejected in the summer.
Marsch could finally ditch Klich
Jesse Marsch has now had plenty of time to determine who will be part of his squad for the future and those that need to be moved on after replacing Marcelo Bielsa as the head coach at Elland Road in March this year.
As a result, with only one transfer window under his belt, it would be no surprise if he continues to alter the squad and strengthen key positions in the squad when the transfer market re-opens next month.
According to MLS Soccer this week, Leeds are now in advanced talks to sell Mateusz Klich to DC United after a five-year stint with the Whites and although the deal is not done it is set to be completed very soon, making way for a new midfielder to make his mark at the Yorkshire club.
Indeed, given a lack of depth in that area of the pitch, the Whites will surely need to acquire a new body before ditching the Pole.
Hall has been a target for Leeds since the summer and it will come as no surprise that they are keen to try again for the 18-year-old midfielder when considering his output this season so far.
Over 18 Championship appearances, the talented teenager – who was dubbed “unbelievable” by reporter Phil Smith – has scored one goal, registered one assist and created two big chances, as well as averaging 1.3 duels per game despite only averaging 32 minutes per performance.
The Birmingham-born midfielder was only given his senior debut in January 2022 after impressing in the U21 and U18 sides and has now clearly caught the attention of Premier League clubs too.
Birmingham City manager John Eustace has lavished praise on the youngster on many occasions and hailed Hall when analysing his development at St Andrew’s:
“George is a brilliant player, a really good young player and I expect it with all our young players. George’s performances this season have been very, very good.
“He has made 16-17 appearances now – last season he made two appearances. It’s my job to develop him properly, which I feel like we are doing. We are giving him starts, he is impacting off the bench but it’s all about his development.”
Marsch has championed youth in his team since he arrived at Elland Road with Wilfried Gnonto, Joe Gelhardt, Crysencio Summerville and Sam Greenwood the chance to develop and polish their craft whilst competing in the Premier League, something he could offer to Hall too.
With that being said, the signing of the teenager would be a great piece of business for Leeds but now that Liverpool and Everton have joined the race the club will need to make a very tempting offer to beat their competitors.
