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Marsch performs U-turn on Bielsa favourite to leave Leeds Utd leader facing January axe

Leeds Utd midfielder Adam Forshaw and manager Jesse Marsch

Leeds Utd are prepared to sell a player Jesse Marsch recently described as “important” and a “leader” for his side as early as January, per a report.

Marsch remains a divisive figure at Elland Road with many of the issues that plagued their former manager still present. The Whites were criticised for being too open under Marcelo Bielsa and little has changed in that regard under the new regime.

Marsch recently insisted his side must learn to manage games better after seeing a 3-2 lead turn into a 4-3 deficit within the space of three minutes against Tottenham.

Leadership both on the sideline and from those on the pitch is one sure-fire way to help stop the rot, though according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, one of Leeds’ biggest voices could soon depart.

Via Caught Offside, O’Rourke suggested Leeds could cash in on Adam Forshaw in January to avoid losing him for free in the summer.

Forshaw, 31, is out of contract at season’s end, though the club do hold an option for an extra 12 months, per Transfermarkt. However, Football Insider previously claimed Leeds are unlikely to trigger it.

“This is Leeds’ last chance get some money for him if they do decide to sell him in January, otherwise he’s more than likely to leave on a free transfer in the summer,” said O’Rourke.

Caught Offside went on to suggest Leeds are ‘eager’ to receive a fee, with the inference there being they’ll gladly entertain any and all offers made next window.

Whether any such offers are tabled remains to be seen. Forshaw is a capable performer when fit, though keeping him out of the treatment room has never been easy.

Forshaw has featured just three times in the league this term following the summer arrivals of Marc Roca and Tyler Adams in the engine room.

Marsch praise doesn’t hold weight?

The central midfielder did appear to still have a place within the squad despite the arrivals after Marsch talked up Forshaw’s importance to the squad dynamic.

“Adam’s an important player for us. He’s a big leader for us,” said Marsch earlier this season (via Football Fancast).

“He helped set up [a] couple of goals with some of the plays he made. He’s a very reliable leader and player for us. No question.”

Forshaw later revealed he comprises one sixth of Leeds’ internal leadership group along with several other senior stars.

“He’s (Marsch) set up a leadership group with us five (Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper) and Rodrigo,” Forshaw said during an interview with Danny Murphy for the Daily Mail.

“He sees the importance in the lads who have experience.”

However, with Forshaw struggling for fitness and no new contract on the horizon, it appears Marsch has performed a U-turn on a player who was always heavily favoured by Bielsa.

A January exit – if offers are received – looks to be on the cards.

READ MORE: Marcelo Bielsa in ‘advanced talks’ over Prem return with new offer sealing current boss’ fate