Leeds are plotting a one-year loan move for Manchester City winger Brandon Barker, according to Football Insider, but the 22-year-old would struggle to be the difference maker in our efforts to secure promotion into the Premier League.
It is claimed our search to strengthen Marcelo Bielsa’s wings – something that ought to have been done in the winter – has led our recruitment team to return to the Etihad Stadium, but not only to discuss another move to Elland Road for Jack Harrison.
Instead, Barker is thought to be in their plans following his year on loan at Deepdale, which he spent a great deal of in Preston North End’s medical room.
The Manchester-born wide man struggled to make a difference under Alex Neil when fit either, and would end the recent campaign with two goals and two assists to his name in all competitions, having played 834 minutes across 20 outings – the equivalent of 9.2 full matches.
He had arrived with much promise, but his efforts were often erratic and rarely showed much quality, which made it no surprise when Preston sent Barker back to Manchester when their season came to an end.
Barker had fallen out of love with the game following a poor loan spell with Dutch side NAC Breda for the 2016/17 season, where he suffered a torn hamstring, and given he would be moving to West Yorkshire following a miserable spell in Lancashire plagued with injuries, Bielsa may have his work cut out ensuring his motivation does not slip again.
Barker’s contract with Manchester City expires in 2020, but Football Insider do not believe a permanent deal has crossed our thoughts as of yet.