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TBR View: Championship captain in contract talks, but should Leeds muscle in?

Will Butcher

Fri 6 March 2020 13:45, UK

Alex Mowatt has starred for Barnsley this season, despite The Tykes struggling at the bottom of the Championship table and reports claim that the midfielder is now in contract talks to stay at Oakwell – but should Leeds muscle in?

Mowatt, 25, joined Barnsley from Leeds in January 2017 – three years ago – after playing 125 times for the Whites. Since then, Mowatt has been loaned to Oxford United by Barnsley, before returning and becoming the Championship side’s captain.

Indeed, Mowatt has finally proved this season that he is capable of impressing in the second tier. Along with his trusty left foot, Mowatt has had a hand in 10 goals during his 34 Championship appearances this season.

Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber has been quoted by the : “Alex is my captain and a big role model for the whole club. I hope he signs in the next days.” Such news comes as no surprise, with Barnsley putting up a fight against the drop.

But should Leeds put up a fight with Barnsley in a bid to bring the left-footed Mowatt back to Elland Road? Well, his form compared to Marcelo Bielsa’s favourite Mateusz Klich is impressive.

Poland international Klich has only managed to get involved in nine goals from the same position this season – despite playing two more league games, and in a side that sit second, rather than 23rd place. Mowatt has scored three, and created seven.

Klich is the first name of the team sheet in midfield, with Pablo Hernandez, Adam Forshaw, Tyler Roberts and others all playing alongside the former Wolfsburg ace. But there is a lack of depth alongside Klich.

So, on a free transfer at the end of the season, surely it makes sense for Leeds to consider bringing Mowatt back to Elland Road. Bielsa needs to push Barnsley aside, and convince Mowatt of a return.