Leeds United Turned Down The Chance To Sign Donny Van De Beek And Harry Winks In January

Leeds United turned down the chance to sign Donny van de Beek and Harry Winks in the January transfer window, according to reports.

Leeds failed to make a single senior signing last month, despite being under the threat of relegation this season.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are only seven points above the drop zone but the Argentine has opted against making major changes to his squad.

Van de Beek joined Everton on loan instead (Image: Alamy)

The only player to arrive at Elland Road in January is 18-year-old striker Mateo Joseph Fernandez, who is expected to play for the club’s U23 side after joining from Espanyol.

United were reportedly keen to sign a central midfielder in January but a transfer failed to materialise.

According to The Yorkshire Post, Leeds were offered both Manchester United midfielder Van de Beek and Tottenham’s Winks but turned down the opportunity to sign the pair on loan.

Leeds failed to make a senior signing in January (Image: Alamy)

The report claims Bielsa was ‘adamant’ he would not sign players in January unless they were better than what he already had in his squad.

It also claimed Bielsa was ‘conscious of the large investment in his squad’ since Leeds achieved promotion to the Premier League, and he did not want the club to pay over the odds for players.

Netherlands international Van de Beek instead joined Everton on loan in a deadline day move, while Winks has remained with Spurs.

Harry Winks was also linked with a move to Elland Road (Image: Alamy)

Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar appeared to aim a dig at his former club Manchester United following Van de Beek's move to Goodison Park.

Commenting on Van de Beek’s Instagram post announcing his move, Van der Sar wrote: "Better luck with this club in the North West of England Donny!"