After a week of transfer talk Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa makes his position on Tyler Roberts clear

The Welsh international striker remains firmly a part of Bielsa's first team plans in the Premier League and plays an 'important role' for the Argentine.

Roberts has struggled to make an impact this season and had to settle for cameo appearances as a substitute in the Premier League, starting only twice and failing to last more than 56 minutes on either of those occasions.

Of his 237 top flight minutes, 174 came from the opening four games of the season and since then he has been left on the bench by Bielsa on eight occasions.

His recent lack of involvement in the first team - a six minute appearance against Newcastle midway through December was the last time he played Premier League football - was inevitably going to lead to talk of a January loan move and this week he has been linked with a number of Championship clubs.

As reported by the YEP this week, however, it seems only likely to happen if Roberts wants it because Bielsa is more than happy to have the 21-year-old in his squad.

"Tyler has always been in my plans," said the Argentine this afternoon.

"I value him in the football point of view and also in the human aspect and he has an important role inside our team. It is true that he is having difficulties to manage to be able to have continuity but for me he is player who is full of resources and who is very important for us."

The FA Cup clash with Crawley Town on Sunday might have presented a chance for a little more action for Roberts, but he remains unavailable having missed the trip to Spurs on Sunday for unknown reasons.

When he's available once again, Bielsa seems certain to restore him to the first team squad.

"Tyler Roberts is not available for the game but when he is available he always has options for minutes in the first team," said the head coach.

"When Tyler has been available he has always been part of the 18 man squad. I don't ignore that there is a 20 man squad now but I say 18 because it reiterates his importance."