Reported Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday target Tyler Roberts was absent from Leeds United’s squad as they lost 3-0 to League Two side Crawley Town in the FA Cup.
Leeds made several changes as manager Marcelo Bielsa looked to freshen things up.
But one player who didn’t make the squad amid transfer speculation was Tyler Roberts.
The Wales international has been linked with a host of Championship clubs, with Football Insider claiming Derby, Wednesday, Cardiff City and Preston North End are keen.
Roberts needs first-team action after making just two starts for Leeds this season.
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The 21-year-old has featured for a total of just 64 minutes since early October, while Leeds prefer the likes of Patrick Bamford and summer signing Rodrigo for striker options.
Roberts is versatile. He can play as an attack-minded midfielder or as a centre-forward.
He told the BBC back in September how he sees himself as a future number nine. However, he just hasn’t been given the playing time at Elland Road to aid his development.
A loan deal back to the Championship this month makes plenty of sense.
Derby and Sheffield Wednesday have struggled for goals this season, and both clubs are seemingly in the market for a new striker to get them out of trouble.
The Owls have climbed out of the bottom three following their latest win over Derby.
The Rams, meanwhile, have improved under interim manager Wayne Rooney but still find themselves in a whole heap of trouble and in desperate need of another number nine.
Colin Kazim-Richards has held the line well. However, at 34, he isn’t a long-term option while there will be question marks over his fitness later in the campaign.
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Also see: Championship rival suggests it’s possible player could re-join Derby this month