By Tam McManus

15th Mar, 2023 | 12:31pm

Leeds United star to be let go as Javi Gracia overhaul begins - pundit

Tam McManus has backed long-serving midfielder Adam Forshaw to be one of the first names axed this summer as manager Javi Gracia plots an overhaul of the Leeds United squad.

The former Hibernian striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested it would be best for the 31-year-old to go and play regular football in the Championship.

Sources told this site on 12 March that Whites boss Gracia has urged the club to overhaul their squad in the off-season and wants to be heavily backed if he keeps the club afloat in the Premier League.

The Elland Road club currently sit 19th – one point from safety with 12 games remaining this term.

Forshaw is out of contract at the end of the season – although Leeds do hold the option to extend his deal a further 12 months.

The midfielder, who joined the club from Middlesbrough in 2018, has managed just five league appearances this term and is currently sidelined through injury.

McManus told Football Insider‘s Sean Fisher: “I do think it’s time for him to move on for Forshaw, he’s been very unlucky during his time at Leeds.

“He’s only played 27 league games in the last three seasons for Leeds, so you know it’s not a great return.

“He’s 31, and probably wants to go and play somewhere else think he could easily play in the Championship in England.

“He’s got another decent move in him and he could go and get regular playing time at a Championship club.

“He’s been a brilliant servant for Leeds and was part of the promotion team, of course. He won’t be forgotten.

“But I think it’s best for him and best for Leeds if he moves on and then the club can improve the midfield.”

In other news, Football Insider updates with Leeds United in advanced talks to agree midfielder deal.