Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks has reportedly become a summer transfer target for Leeds United. With Kalvin Phillips set to depart Elland Road in favour of a move to Manchester City in the coming days, Leeds must strengthen their options in the middle of the park. Alongside interest from Everton, Leeds are also said to be interested in Winks.
Marc Roca has already come through the door from Bayern Munich, but his addition alone is not enough for Jesse Marsch and co, who suffered a horrendous spate of injuries last term which left their squad threadbare come the end of the season. The arrival of Yves Bissouma at Spurs seems to have signalled the end to Winks' Tottenham career. Capped 10 times for England, Winks is a holding midfielder who is capable of dictating the tempo of a game.
While his star has fallen in recent years, the 26-year-old has plenty of football left in him and could be a very shrewd signing by Leeds who need to replace Phillips. And a number of pundits, including former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson reckon Winks has traits that make him a special player who could go on to help England again at international level.
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Paul Robinson
Former Leeds United shot stopper Paul Robinson is just one of the pundits who reckons Winks would be a real asset to most Premier League sides.
"Whoever gets Harry Winks is getting a top-quality player and professional," Robinson recently told Football Insider.
"He has a lot to prove after a period out of the side at Spurs. He has not had his opportunities.
"It was not too long ago that he was an England regular. He has so much to give and a lot to prove. He wants to do that week in, week out at a top club.
"It hasn’t worked out for Dele Alli at Everton but I think it would be different for Harry. I think Frank could nurture him and appreciate his quality. I think it would be a great fit.
"Winks is a reliable, honest, top professional. Whoever gets him is getting a great player. He is still more than capable of playing at the top level."
Paul Merson
Winks' playing time for Spurs over the last two seasons has dropped dramatically. But Paul Merson is tipping him to earn a spot in Gareth Southgate's 26-man England squad for Qatar 2022 if he can find some minutes and form at the start of next season.
"We [England] don’t have anyone who can keep the ball in midfield," Merson said in his Daily Star column.
"That’s why he [Winks] still has a chance of going to the World Cup for me.
"This kid keeps it simple and keeps possession and keeps it ticking over. We will need that in Qatar. I think he was trying too hard at Spurs.
"Trying to do something special to justify his place. But he’s at his best when he keeps it simple and gets you control in midfield."
"You get more chances to play when a club buys you than you would if you were on loan. I think that’s a good move for him. I think he will come into his own. He is a better player than people think. He could still play for England."
Gabby Agbonlahor
Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor is another pundit who believes Winks needs to leave Spurs to kickstart his career.
"He’s got to go," Agbonlahor told Football Insider of Winks.
"You look at Bissouma coming in. That means they’re going to have [Pierre-Emile] Hojbjerg on the bench.
"Winks is never going to get a game. Sometimes you’ve got to leave for your own career. Go to another Premier League club and go and play some football.
"Maybe West Ham and go and play some football. At one time he was getting England call-ups and now he rarely plays. It would be the perfect fit."
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