Leeds United: Monk's recruiting rationale has merit

A 12th signing last week, that of young Chelsea striker Kasey Palmer, allowed head coach David Wagner to openly declare that “our business is done.”

Wagner is alone in that respect and among 23 other managers, Leeds United’s included, the hunt for players goes on.

Leeds have more deals completed than most, as many as any other side in the league except Preston North End, but the Championship relies on quality over quantity, except for clubs who have the money to enjoy both.

Garry Monk is mindful of both, which is why Leeds’ approach for Fleetwood Town defender Conor McLaughlin fizzled out on Tuesday.

United contacted Fleetwood about McLaughlin’s availability over the weekend and were told that a bid of around £300,000 would go close to the right-back’s valuation but Monk considered the opportunity and ruled against it.

His rationale was simple: that rather than bringing in basic cover, Leeds should be signing a player at least as good as Gaetano Berardi.

Leeds were linked yesterday with free agent Reece Wabara, the former Manchester City trainee who won the League One title with Wigan Athletic last season before leaving the DW Stadium at the end of his contract, and it remains to be seen if he is more in line with Monk’s requirements.

It was not necessarily a cliche when United’s head coach said last week: “When we sign players, we have to be signing them because we think they’re better.

“We have to be signing them because they’re an improvement.

“I’m very clear about that.”

A large portion of Leeds’ season ticket income, potentially 50 per cent of it, has been risked on the club’s improving from 13th place to sixth in the Championship this season.

The question with the first league game at Queens Park Rangers coming round quickly is whether Monk’s strongest line-up as it stands is better or more adequately suited to the competition than Steve Evans’ was in May.