Leeds United: Youthful Midfielder moves to the National League once more
Thursday, 23rd Mar 2017 15:14 by @LucasMonk_

Alex Purver has once more agreed to sign for Guiseley of the National League on a loan basis until the conclusion of the current season.

The 21 year-old, who has not yet appeared in a competitive fixture for Leeds, has already enjoyed a loan spell at Nethermoor between August 2016 and January 2017.

In that period, Purver, who featured against the likes of Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers during United's pre-season campaign before being farmed out on loan to Guiseley, amassed a total of 21 appearances, scoring on no less than two occasions before returning to Elland Road.

Having returned to Guiseley, the central midfielder joins a growing clique of Leeds United youngsters who are currently garnering experience on loan at other clubs, including fleet-footed winger Jordan Botaka (Charlton Athletic), and forwards Lee Erwin (Oldham Athletic), and Jack McKay (Airdrieonians).

Guiseley, who are presently under the management of Adam Lockwood, formerly an abrasive and physically imposing defender in the colours of Doncaster Rovers, lie in sixteenth position in the National League, and are ten points clear of the dreaded relegation zone.

Analysis

Despite being one of a plethora of potentially prodigious talents to feature in United's pre-season campaign only months ago, Purver failed to attain a regular role within the first-team at Elland Road, in spite of a sequence of dependable, though not particularly masterly or vivacious, performances.

Having already showcased his abilities in a loan spell with Guiseley earlier in the season, this return to Nethermoor presents an opportunity for the youngster to capture the attention of potential suitors ahead of the summer transfer window, with his contract at Elland Road expiring at the end of the current season.

With Guiseley comfortably above the relegation zone, Purver should be afforded the chance display his talents without the burden of a relegation dogfight upon his shoulders, and one hopes that he will succeed in finding new employers come the season's end.

Photo: Action Images

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