In recent days, Leeds United have reportedly shown interest in former Leeds central midfielder, and current Middlesbrough player, Adam Clayton. Adding fuel to the rumour fire is the news that Leeds scouts watched Clayton play for the Boro U23s this afternoon.
#lufc scout watched 28yo MF Adam Clayton in #boro u23s v #rovers U23s on Sun afternoon https://t.co/rtr9fJeL4u
— Scouts in Attendance (@scoutsattending) January 14, 2018
Leeds have shown significant interest in signing midfielder Adam Clayton. (@TheNorthernEcho) #lufc pic.twitter.com/6irvmzEUuP
— LUFC HQ (@LUFC_HQ1) January 13, 2018
Clayton spent one season at Leeds after joining from MK Dons. After leaving Leeds for Huddersfield Town, he spent two season at the John Smith’s Stadium before leaving for Middlesbrough before the 2014-15 season. He made 34 appearances in the Premier League last season with Boro, but it appears his time is up at the Riverside after he has been left off the team sheet for the past few weeks.
Adam Clayton was one of the best midfielders I have seen in a Leeds shirt post Prem.. I’d love to see him back
— Alex Narramore (@ANarramore10) January 14, 2018
Adam Clayton would be a very good signing! Unfinished business at Leeds I think
— South Stand - SS6 (@LUFCSS6) January 14, 2018
Clayton is a popular figure with Leeds fans, despite leaving for West Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield. He’s an experienced midfielder and may fill a need for the club.
Victor Orta has said, in regards to the thinking behind sending Japan international Yosuke Ideguchi on loan to Cultural Leonesa, that the central midfield position at Leeds is deep enough for the rest of the season. That claim is a little dubious, as injuries to Eunan O’Kane and Ronaldo Vieira have limited Thomas Christiansen’s selection in the past month.
Conor Shaughnessy has filled in at central midfield, but he’s been more effective at central defence this season, the performance against Newport County notwithstanding. Mateusz Klich was brought in during the summer transfer window, but he’s been left on the bench or not even included in the match day squad when available.
Clayton would provide cover in the middle of the pitch, as Eunan O’Kane will be serving a ban for his red card against Ipswich Town and Ronaldo Vieira is still recovering from an injury he received against Burton Albion. Kalvin Phillips is two yellow cards away from a significant ban as well. If Clayton really is considered surplus to requirements at Boro, the club could do much worse than bringing an experienced midfielder back into the fold.