Leeds United coach discusses Mateusz Klich's Elland Road future amid MLS transfer links

The Austrian spoke following Leeds’ 2-1 win over Real Sociedad on Friday night in which Polish international Klich played the full 90 minutes for Jesse Marsch’s side. Klich has been linked with a move away since the summer when it became apparent the 32-year-old was not central to Marsch’s plans.

Following discussions with the club hierarchy, Klich chose to remain at Elland Road but with fewer than 200 league minutes so far this season and the disappointment of missing out on a place in Poland’s FIFA World Cup squad last month, links have resurfaced suggesting Klich is close to ending his time at Elland Road.

The United States is a possible destination for Klich, who established himself as a key player under Marsch’s predecessor Marcelo Bielsa, and quickly became a fan favourite for his on-pitch antics and riling up of opposition players and fans. This season, however, Marsch has preferred the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Sam Greenwood, Marc Roca and Tyler Adams, leaving the experienced midfielder on the bench instead of in the starting XI.

Following Leeds’ friendly win over Elche last week, Klich paraded the Festa d’Elx trophy in front of the travelling Whites support at Estadio Martinez Valero, embracing several of his teammates in an affectionate manner. Earlier in the week during Leeds’ training camp at Oliva Nova Sports Centre, Klich was spotted deep in conversation with director of football Victor Orta, although the content of their discussion remains unknown. MLS franchise DC United have emerged as potential suitors with well-placed sources in the United States confirming the club’s interest.

"From a coaching perspective, I think there is no doubt that Klichy is a fantastic player and a great personality,” Marić said on Friday evening, discussing Klich’s future.

"I think I'm just the wrong person to ask that particular question to in general. We're very happy with him and we just have to look towards what's coming up in the next week. I think there's nothing decided in either direction. But again, I think you have to ask other people about that.”