Leeds ace Mick McCarthy is reportedly wanting compared to Billy Bremner and Johnny Giles, with West Ham also keen

Leeds are reportedly struggling against West Ham in the race to sign Josh Cullen, who has been impressing for Anderlecht under Vincent Kompany. Mick McCarthy once compared him to Leeds legends Billy Bremner and Johnny Giles.

Cullen, 25, left West Ham for Anderlecht in the summer of 2020. Since then he has made 71 appearances in less than two seasons and has become a regular in Ireland midfield. Anderlecht’s No. 8 has played 12 international matches in Ireland.

TeamTalk claim Leeds and West Ham are two of many interested Premier League clubs – along with Wolves, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Burnley and Norwich. Championship sides Fulham and Sheffield United are keen.

He has a contract until the summer of 2023 and the player himself has admitted he is considering a return to England. Discussing Cullen as Ireland’s boss in 2019, McCarthy compared him to Bremner and Giles.

“Nor Bremner and Giles” McCarthy to the Irish Independentwhen asked about Cullen’s height. “He is technically very good and tough. He puts his foot in and stands his ground.

“You wouldn’t think he’s a little guy being pushed around. He handles the ball particularly well. He has good legs and is doing well on the pitch. He plays week in and week out and he’s in great shape.”

McCarthy on Cullen: Leeds star very much like Bremner and Giles

Although he lacks Giles’ playmaking ability, he is incredibly similar in style to Bremner. He may not be that good, but he’s the hard-hitting, hard-working, pocket-sized No. 4 at the base of midfield.

Do Leeds need him? Adam Forshaw is likely his closest player at the moment but whether Forshaw is the future of Leeds midfield remains to be seen. Especially since Forshaw turns 31 in October.

Cullen is only 25 but has the workload to thrive in Leeds midfield. He’s got the passing game, the tenacity to perhaps shine alongside a Kalvin Phillips who’s more of a Rolls-Royce midfielder.

In other news, the £50m Everton man could now have his heart broken by Arsenal and Leeds stars – Our View