The Whites are about to lose another defender, with Max Wober on his way to Borussia Monchengladbach, and those in command at Elland Road have highlighted a new center-back as the most important position to fill.
Leeds have been looking for youthful targets this summer, with Gretar Steinsson and Nick Hammond in charge of recruitment, targeting Liverpool and Manchester City prospects, respectively.
Discussing the Whites upcoming business, Beren Cross writes: “The loss of that dozen cast against the backdrop of just two senior arrivals cannot help but shine a light on how much work there is still to be done in the transfer window.
“Centre-backs, left-backs, central midfielders, advanced playmakers and centre forwards would be wise bases to target between now and September 1. The former are, Leeds Live understands, currently being targeted with the most vigour by Gretar Steinsson and Nick Hammond.
“Liverpool’s Nat Phillips and Manchester City’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis remain under consideration as two of the options in central defence they like.”
So far this summer, Leeds’ incoming recruitment has been clever, picking up out of favour (but in form) players from clubs for cut price fees, allowing them to navigate financial fair play rules while securing impressive talent.
Phillips fits this mould, he may have only played two matches in the Premier League last season, but he has also impressed in Champions League nights against the likes of AC Milan at the San Siro.
Because of his lack of recent gametime and his low position in the Liverpool pecking order, he might be purchased for a relatively inexpensive amount and thrive in England’s second tier.
Harwood-Baylis is a younger option who would most likely be available on loan; he captained England in their U-21 European Championships victory this summer after impressing on a brief basis with Burnley in the Championship.
There’s a case to be made that the Manchester City kid is deserving of a Premier League loan following an impressive season last season, but it should just make him a more essential target for the Whites.
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