Leeds United
Championship
Leeds Utd transfer news: Jamie Shackleton available and subject of Champ interest as summer signing convinces Jesse Marsch
Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton is reportedly a transfer target for Reading amid claims Jesse Marsch has made the versatile star available on loan.
The 22-year-old has risen through the Leeds academy ranks and has made 80 appearances since making his debut in 2018. Indeed, the versatile star has made 27 of those appearances in the Premier League. However, he has faded from the first-team picture since Marsch took control at Elland Road.
In Shackleton’s defence, he did suffer with injury in the back end of last season. However, he only featured once under the American and now looks likely to move on this summer with Marsch willing to listen to offers.
Operating mainly as a midfielder, Shackleton has also covered for Leeds as a right-back. However, the addition of summer signings Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca will further push him down the pecking order.
Indeed, Marsch sees Shackleton more as right-back cover. However, with Kristensen likely to start the season as first choice, Leeds also have Luke Ayling pushing for an October return. A decision is yet to be made over Cody Drameh following his return from Cardiff.
But all things considered, it’s a position Leeds are currently well stocked for, with Kristensen already making an impact off the field.
“I know a lot of things about the club. Where I am from, a small village, most of my father’s mates are Leeds fans.
“I want to compete against the best and I will do that here.
“I see myself as a physical, emotional power player – I like to go forward, run up and down the flank and I have a big engine for that.
“I’m a guy who puts 100 per cent effort in every time I’m on the pitch and I’ll die with my boots on,” he said upon signng.
Jamie Shackleton offered midfield chance by Reading
And it’s for that reason why Leeds are fielding enquiries for Shackleton’s services.
As per Football Insider, the England U20 star is the subject of interest from Reading. Their boss Paul Ince has reportedly been in contact with Leeds over an initial loan deal.
The Royals are looking to bring him to the Madejski Stadium, having lost three midfielders of their own this summer. Indeed, the departures of John Swift, Josh Laurent and Andy Rinomhota to West Brom, Stoke City and Cardiff City respectively leaves them with some gaps to fill.
And the move to Reading would see Shackleton given a chance to make an impact in his favoured central position.
The 22-year-old has two years left to run on his deal at Elland Road. And he will hope a move to Reading can give him a consistent run of games and impress.