Marcelo Bielsa may have faith in Adam Forshaw being Kalvin Phillips' backup for Leeds United next season, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Whites picked up another impressive Premier League result on Monday evening, drawing 1-1 at home to reigning champions Liverpool.

Sadio Mane and Diego Llorente exchanged goals at Elland Road, as Bielsa's men more than held their own against top class opposition.

Leeds may be impressing in their first season back in the top flight, but that doesn't mean new faces won't be necessary in the next few transfer windows to really cement the squad as top flight quality.

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Hay makes key claim regarding Leeds' transfer business

That being said, in a Q&A for The Athletic, Hay played down the prospect of Bielsa bringing in someone to play second fiddle to Phillips, with Forshaw potentially trusted to play that role:

"They would have to think carefully about that because Forshaw is competition for Phillips and Bielsa has always rated him extremely highly."

Transfer Tavern take

It is refreshing to hear that Bielsa seemingly has lots of faith in Forshaw, but there would be a clear risk element in making him Phillips' backup.

The 29-year-old has been out injured with a hip problem since September 2019, so there is no guarantee that he will return the same player as before, or remain injury-free after such a long absence.

It may be that the remaining weeks of this season act as an audition for Forshaw, as he edges towards earning some much-needed minutes for Leeds.

Perhaps if he can play those minutes and avoid any injury issues, that would be all the security Bielsa needs behind his star man in midfield.

In other news, one Leeds player has been tipped to leave Elland Road at the end of the season, Find out who it is here.