According to latest reports, Leeds United target, Jamaal Blackman could make a loan move to Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem as he has flown out to the Netherlands to discuss his future. The Whites are in need of a goalkeeper after the departure of Felix Weidwald and there were reports that Blackman could be brought in on a season-long loan at Elland Road.
The 24-year-old is a product of Chelsea’s youth academy and has been part of their loan army since 2012. He is yet to break into the senior team and it looks highly unlikely that the 6 ft 6inches stopper will get a chance in the upcoming season. The former England u-19 international had made 33 appearances for Sheffield United last season and seemed to have impressed the Whites decision makers.
Having a quality goalkeeper is an absolute necessity for the Peacocks as Bielsa will try to bring in more competition for Bailey Peacock-Farrell. The youngster performed well when he was handed a chance to play in the senior team last season but the Leeds goalie still has a long way to go before he establishes himself as a regular for the Whites.
With Blackman on Arnhem’s radar, we look at three possible alternatives the Peacocks manager can go after if they miss out on Blackman.
Angus Gunn
The 22-year-old Manchester City stopper has been linked with a move to Leeds United and given Bielsa’s relationship with Pep Guardiola, one cannot rule out this move. Gunn had a good experience in the Championship last season as he made 46 appearances while on loan at Norwich City. The youngster has represented England at various youth levels and signing him will be a huge coup for the Whites.
David Stockdale
The experienced goalkeeper joined Birmingham City last season but it is likely that he could move to Elland Road as there have been rumours of him being wanted by the Whites. Peacock Farrell is a young and up-and-coming goalkeeper so maybe Bielsa might want his other challenger to be a relatively experienced one. Stockdale can certainly be that man as he has been around the blocks for quite some time now.
Read More: Leeds United Retain Interest In This Player Who Is Available For £1.6m: Should Bielsa ‘Bite’?
John Ruddy
Wolves had secured promotion to the English top flight last term before signing Rui Patricio in the summer transfer window for free. It seems highly unlikely that Ruddy will be the first choice option at the Molineux which could pave the way for Leeds to make a move for the experienced custodian, who managed 24 clean sheets in the Championship last season.
