Joe Rothwell reveals "one intention" as doubt surrounds future Leeds United, AFC Bournemouth transfer | OneFootball

Joe Rothwell's future at Leeds United remains uncertain heading into the final weeks of the season

On-loan Leeds United midfielder, Joe Rothwell, has stated that his long-term future at Elland Road remains undecided amid talk of a deal being made permanent at the end of the season.

Speaking to Leeds Live, the 30-year-old who signed on a temporary basis from AFC Bournemouth, revealed that he doesn't hold the power behind whether he will remain in West Yorkshire at the conclusion of the Championship season.

Rothwell has spent the past year on loan with sides chasing promotion out of the second tier, having enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with Southampton during the second half of last season, which culminated with the Saints defeating United at Wembley Stadium in the play-off final courtesy of Adam Armstrong's first-half strike.

However, the experienced midfielder has been an inspired piece of business for Daniel Farke this season, proving to be a useful chink in the German's armour with his creative ability from a deep-lying position at the base of Leeds' midfield.

In recent weeks, there has been talk of whether his deal will be made permanent, although the hierarchy in West Yorkshire will not be focusing on recruitment plans until it is clear which division the Whites are playing in next season, as they currently sit top of the second tier, level on points with Sheffield United and two clear of third-placed Burnley with eight matches remaining.

Joe Rothwell makes honest admission on Leeds United future amid uncertainty

Since arriving from the Vitality Stadium, Rothwell has featured 35 times in the league for Leeds, starting 23 of those encounters.

The former Blackburn Rovers man has provided some key moments in the white jersey in that time, most notably his double-combination with centre-back Pascal Struijk to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 success against fellow promotion hopefuls Sunderland last month.

But, despite it being reported in February that a fee as low as £7.5m could tempt Andoni Iraola's side into selling the midfielder, Rothwell has made it clear that no concrete plans have been made yet, with his sole intention aiding United's title pursuit.

"I came here with only one intention, and that was to help the club get back to the Premier League because it’s where they belong," he said.

"I've said it from day dot really, I've loved my time here and whether that continues, that's not up to me. That’s between the club and my agent, but I'll just concentrate on doing what I've got to do and hopefully help this club get back up to the Premier League."

When asked if he had held talks over making his stay in LS11 permanent, Rothwell stated: "I haven't. I've not looked into it or pushed through (with) it. The full focus is getting the club back up."

Joe Rothwell decision could hinge on Leeds United's promotion fortunes

So far in his career, the Manchester-born man has over 200 second tier appearances to his name as well as 31 in the Premier League, meaning a decision on his future could hinge on whether United are successful in their bid to end a two-year hiatus from the top flight or not.

Former Leeds midfielder and Sky Sports pundit, David Prutton, revealed his thoughts on the matter to FLW earlier this week, describing Rothwell as "a player that is very well liked by his teammates and the fans".

This means there is already somewhat of a clamour for Leeds to secure his services in the long-term, especially with such a bargain price being mooted for a player of such quality, adaptability and experience.

However, with the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Rangers ace, Nicolas Radskin, also linked with potential summer moves to Elland Road, it remains to be seen whether that has an impact on Rothwell's positioning in the club's list of transfer window targets, which, once again, will be affected by the outcome of the next eight games.