Leeds United have nine games remaining in the Championship title race, and they hold all the keys to success firmly in their palms.
The Whites are seven points clear of third-placed Fulham and are on a hot streak of five successive victories. The only thing stopping them from securing Premier League football at Elland Road for the first time in 16 years, is themselves.
This week, former forward Noel Whelan has sparked a debate by suggesting that the west Yorkshire side should try to sign another ex-Leeds man in James Milner.
The Liverpool veteran has always expressed his desire to one day return to his boyhood club, so maybe Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta can tempt him before it’s too late.
He’s currently under contract at the Reds until 2022, so it remains to be seen how likely this is to occur.
Our writers have discussed whether Whelan’s urge is something that Leeds should follow up on, and here is what has been said…
Charles Jones
“Should James Milner return to Leeds? It’s certainly an interesting question, the former England man has achieved basically all he can in the game and barring an unthinkable capitulation he’ll finish this season with another Premier League winners medal.
“Personally, I think that’d be the perfect way to round off his career with Liverpool, and he should make his move to Leeds for a couple of reasons.
“For one, he can fulfil his dream of helping his boyhood club to some success after being relegated 16 years ago as a teenager, and he’s more likely to get first-team football at Elland Road than he is at Anfield these days, and he might just have Gareth Barry’s Premier League appearance record in the back of his mind.
“If I were Milner I’d move to Leeds not only to try and help the Whites achieve something in the top-flight but to try and creep up on my former teammate’s record to earn myself a place in the history books.”
Viji Jeevathayalan
“Leeds getting promoted to the Premier League, and then bringing James Milner back home, would be the stuff of dreams for the Whites. Their old boy has seen it and done it all at club level, including being a Champions League winner, and soon to be Premier League champion too. Milner could provide some valuable top-flight experience to Marcelo Bielsa’s side, and really help the team during their transition season if they make it up this year. The sentimental value alone is enough reason for Leeds to seriously consider a Milner reunion, but the fact he is still playing first-team football on a regular basis for a side like Liverpool proves he has the ability to cut it at the highest level too. Getting the veteran to pen a deal at Elland Road would make Orta a folk hero.”
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Harry Sherlock
“It’s a tough one. They say never go back but Milner capping his career by playing for Leeds in the Premier League would be Roy of the Rovers stuff. However, one has to think that Liverpool wouldn’t take too kindly to the idea. Milner is something of a freak of nature in that he doesn’t seem to show any signs of ageing on the pitch. He’s 34 but has made 33 appearances in all competitions this season – he doesn’t appear ready to be phased out. He’s a superb utility man for Liverpool to have and while he would be a genuine asset to Leeds’ squad, getting him in seems a little fanciful at this point. Victor Orta should be looking at different targets; putting all his eggs in the Milner basket isn’t likely to work out well if Leeds are promoted. On the latter point, given what happened last season that isn’t a guarantee either!”
Lewis Blain
“Even though promotion to the top-flight is by no means confirmed, Leeds are well on their way back – their margin to the playoffs is surely too good to stop them. It’s firmly in their grasp.
“What a story it would be if they can clinch a return for Milner too. He’s exactly the sort of player a promoted team should be desperate for, especially as he can still cut it at an elite level despite being 34.
“Premier League, Champions League; the midfielder has played 33 times this season and has scored four goals and assisted four more, via Transfermarkt. He’d be exactly what’s needed at Elland Road to ensure that Leeds aren’t one season wonders. Look how bad things have turned out for Villa.”
What could’ve been… Can you name the clubs these football legends almost joined?
And in other news, Loanee has proven that Leeds should sign him…