Phil Hay Q&A - Crucial Questions Answered

Phil Hay gave Leeds United fans a big update on the transfer window today with a live Q and A on the Athletic site, giving us an abundance of new information on the transfer activity of the Whites, with the transfer deadline for incoming players arriving on Thursday at 8pm.

Gazzeta dello Sport have reported this week that Leeds are looking to finalise deals with Inter Milan for teenagers Ryan Nolan and Facundo Colidio. Nolan, an Irish centre half and Inter Milan youth captain, has reportedly been looking for a move away from Inter this summer, with England the preferred destination. Meanwhile, Colidio has supposedly been recommended by Bielsa himself, seeing the young Argentine as a so-called “uncut diamond,” who could become a force to reckon with in Europe. Hay also commented that “there’s a good chance (of the signings being made)” but both seem likely to begin in the under-23s before making the step up.

Kemar Roofe was confirmed to be in Belgium earlier today for a medical ahead of a reported £7 million move to Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht, with journalists in Brussels reporting that he has passed and will sign a three-year deal. The possibility of Liverpool’s Ryan Kent arriving at Elland Road relies on Roofe’s transfer going through, the deal for the 22-year-old would therefore be a permanent, likely to match the price-tag of Roofe, as reported by Sky Sports. Hay adds that Kent would not solely be used as a winger, as Bielsa believes that he can bring Kent into the middle as a centre-forward, a conclusion perhaps drawn from the scouting done at Anfield during preseason by the Argentine.

Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images

For a player at his age and price, Kent does seem to be a player who is a little raw for what £7 million might get you, Roofe is certainly a strong comparison for a player who matches his price-tag. On the other hand, Kent can be seen as a player with clear ability, and who is raw, therefore giving Bielsa the chance to mould him into a better and more versatile player. Should he sign, here’s hoping.

The Whites remain in the hunt for a back-up keeper following the departure of Bailey Peacock-Farrell, with no names being mentioned as yet.

The full Q and A can be found here.