Leeds United are looking for a new beginning under Marcelo Bielsa and they will need to bring in some reinforcements if they want to challenge for a playoff spot next term. They had finished a dismal 13th last season and will be desperate to finish inside the top six in the following campaign.
Bielsa will have a lot of areas to look after as the team is lacking in quite a few departments. One of them is certainly at the back as the Whites conceded 64 goals in the league and that is certainly not a hallmark of a team who wants to play and fight for promotion.
The team had to go through two managerial regimes in the space of four months and that would have been a big setback to their transfer plans as a manager is usually involved in the kind of players he wants to bring at the club. The Whites only went on to complete their first signing after the appointment of Bielsa and now we can expect some more action from the West Yorkshire outfit in the ongoing transfer window.
With some defensive holes to cover at the back, we look at three defenders which the Peacocks can go after to enhance their chances for a playoff spot.
Kyle Bartley
The one signing which the Whites faithful have been longing to see over the past few transfer windows is Kyle Bartley of Swansea City. Ever since his loan spell at Elland Road in the 2016-17 campaign, he has become one of the fan favourites and a move for him will add a lot of solidity at the back. He will also bring a sense of new hope among the fans. More than a defender, Bartley is a leader at the back and will command the defensive line well.
Jake Cooper
The 23-year-old Millwall centre-back had a rollicking season in the Championship as the Lions came perilously close to the playoff spot. Cooper had made 42 appearances for his side last term and was the heart and soul of his side at the back. He is still young and has a lot of potential and maybe Bielsa can bring the best out of him if he goes after him in the summer transfer market.
Read More: Leeds United Retain Interest In This Player Who Is Available For £1.6m: Should Bielsa ‘Bite’?
Jason McCarthy
The 22-year-old Barnsley defender was a regular feature for his side last term. He is being considered in this list given his versatility, as the defender can play in multiple positions across the backline. Barnsley did go down to League One after finishing 22nd but the youngster showed a whole lot of promise for his side and can be a very good inclusion in the Leeds lineup.
