Historic Michael Skubala quotes make Lincoln City swoop for Leeds United outcast a no-brainer | OneFootball

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A new era is underway at Lincoln City following the appointment of Michael Skubala as head coach.

Skubala was named as the Imps new boss earlier this month, replacing Mark Kennedy, who was surprisingly sacked in October.

The 41-year-old had a spell in charge of the England national futsal team and a stint working with England U18s before becoming the head coach of Leeds United U21s last summer.

Skubala had a three-game spell as interim manager of the Whites in the Premier League last season following Jesse Marsch's departure, and he was promoted to the role of first-team coach after the appointment of Javi Gracia in February.

He has been handed his first permanent managerial role at Sincil Bank, and he has made a positive impact at the club so far.

It was a busy summer for the Imps, with 10 new players arriving as they looked to build on last season's impressive 11th-placed finish in League One.

Skubala will be keen to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window as he attempts to keep his side in play-off contention, and he could use his Leeds connections to recruit some of the Whites' talented youngsters.

One player he could consider bringing in is Leo Hjelde, with the defender's future at Elland Road looking uncertain.

What is the latest on Leo Hjelde's Leeds United future?

Hjelde joined Leeds from Celtic in August 2021, but he has made just eight appearances for the club so far.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Rotherham United, making 13 appearances to help the Millers secure Championship survival.

The 20-year-old started for the Whites against Cardiff City on the opening day of the season, but after being substituted at half-time, he has not featured in the league since, making just two appearances in the EFL Cup.

With Sam Byram excelling at left-back and Junior Firpo available again after missing the start of the campaign with injury, it is likely that Hjelde's opportunities will remain limited.

Should Lincoln City make a move for Leo Hjelde in January?

Skubala worked with Hjelde during his time at Elland Road, and he is known to be a big fan of the defender, praising him as recently as last month.

"He’s so versatile, such a good technician, and he’s so calm," Skubala said, quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post. "So I think he can play left-back, he can play left centre half as well. I think he’s quite fortunate that he can do it all, but I think his ultimate best position is left of a three. He’s a good, young talent."

Skubala has operated with a back three in the early stages of his time at Lincoln, so Hjelde would fit in perfectly at Sincil Bank.

Hjelde put in some unconvincing performances for Leeds in the league and EFL Cup this season, and while he may be reluctant to drop down to League One, working with someone he knows well in Skubala could be the ideal move for him at this stage of his career.

The defender is a player with a lot of potential, underlined by the fact he has featured for Norway at U21 level, and it would be a coup if the Imps were able to land his signature.

In what is an incredibly competitive division, bringing in players of Hjelde's quality could make the difference for Lincoln in their top six push, and helping Skubala's men to the play-offs would be a huge boost to his confidence.