I think it's pretty easy to dismiss something a bit different or to highlight why something won't work, but it's definitely worth a try. Bate showed value in the midfield against Port and while I don't believe he's an offensive midfielder's bootlace, it's worth looking at him in the Ling role. Ling might not have Bate's turning circle, but he's hardly cat-like.
But in all likelihood Bate will request a trade and it will be granted. If he stays on the list it's worth trying something new. Nothing to lose.