When Leeds United signed Adam Forshaw for around £4.5m from Middlesbrough back in January 2018, they thought they were getting an experienced campaigner with plenty of Championship experience.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Forshaw himself made it clear just how much of an attractive proposition the Whites were, saying: "I wasn't playing enough and as soon as I knew Leeds were interested I knew this was the club for me.

"I was attracted by the history and the size of the club but I can see the project and what the club is trying to do now. There's a lot of excitement around the place and the crowds are phenomenal. I can feel the vibe about the place and I can't wait to get going."

Fast forward almost three years later, and things haven't quite gone to plan for the midfielder. He's made just 52 appearances in total for the club, with a hip injury picked up in late 2019 ruling him out of action ever since.

Now, reports claim that the club may be looking to shift him out the door in the January transfer window when it opens next week, but that whilst Marcelo Bielsa has given the green light for his exit, it is only expected to be a loan move.

Whilst it may be very ruthless to simply wield the axe on a player who's been on the shelf with injury for more than a year, Leeds just have to look at protecting their own interests.

The Whites are playing at Premier League level now, and it's a massive if of whether Forshaw could be a force in Bielsa's line-up were he to make his return to full fitness.

Couple that with his £20k-a-week wages, and he's cost Leeds £7.5m in total fees since joining, and Andrea Radrizzani must be wondering where on earth his money has gone.

It's been an absolute nightmare for both player and club, but it just makes sense that Leeds cut their ties with Forshaw permanently rather than on loan.

Meanwhile, Leeds could Bielsa's dream signing in this "unplayable" £40m star.