It seems that midfielder Lewis Bate could be set to leave Leeds United on loan ahead of the 2022/23 season. 

The lowdown

Leeds have flown out to Australia for pre-season games against Brisbane Roar, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

But Bate has been left out of Jesse Marsch's squad for the trip, with Leeds footnoting that he would continue to train at Thorp Arch instead. That very much suggests a move could be on the cards.

It was only last summer that Leeds paid just under £1.6million to sign teenager Bate from Chelsea.

The latest

Journalist Adam Pope shared Leeds' squad and noted the omission of Bate, as well as fellow midfielder Jamie Shackleton.

There has been a 'lot of talk of loan moves for both', Pope confirms, with Shackleton reportedly a target for Millwall.

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The verdict

Bate played the majority of his football at Under-23 level last season but was also heavily involved in Premier League games against three sides who qualified for Europe - West Ham, Arsenal and Chelsea (via Transfermarkt).

Journalist Joe Donnohue feels that Bate was a 'contender' for the U23 Player of the Season, 'up there' with the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Crysencio Summerville and Charlie Cresswell 'in terms of his ceiling'.

He's someone 'who manipulates the ball well' and also 'evades pressure' in the middle of the park.

Leeds presenter Joe Wainman hailed the signing as 'massive' 12 months ago because of the potential Bate possesses.

If the Whites can find a suitable club for him to thrive, then perhaps he could break into the team for good when he returns from a full campaign in the senior game.