Leeds United midfielder Eunan O’Kane faces a bleak future at Elland Road, as Whites chiefs are plotting a January exit for the Irishman, according to Leeds Live.
The 7-cap former Republic of Ireland international is currently working his way back to full fitness after breaking his leg while on loan with Luton Town last season, but does not appear to be a part of Marcelo Bielsa’s plans despite his contract running to the summer of 2021.
Leeds executives have granted the 29-year-old an extended stay in West Yorkshire while he works on his rehabilitation, but will look to cash in on the £450,000-rated man once the winter transfer market opens.
No sides are currently being credited with interest in a move for O’Kane.
United may have sold several other fringe players by the time the January window opens though, as Vurnon Anita, Ouasim Bouy, Pawel Cibicki, Laurens de Bock, Callum Nicell and Conor Shaughnessy have all been touted to have uncertain futures at Elland Road.
De Bock would appear to be the first fringe player to have a transfer finalised, as the Belgian defender is in talks with Aris Thessaloniki and reports last week suggested he held his medical with the Greek side.
Shaughnessy’s exit could then follow with Bolton Wanderers keen on signing the centre-back, although their prolonged takeover troubles have ensured the proposed deal has drawn out beyond the start of the new season.
Cibicki’s potential permanent move to Elfsborg broke down following a loan spell with the Swedish side last term, meanwhile, and he has since returned to West Yorkshire to wait for another exit route to emerge.
Anita is likewise waiting for a route out of Elland Road to appear on his radar, after his long-rumoured transfer to Panathinaikos fell through, with financial disparity causing problems in negotiations.
Another return to the Netherlands has been muted for the defensive midfielder, though, as Leeds look to cash in on players deemed surplus to requirements by the boss.