Reports from the Birmingham Mail claims that Leeds United could once again be after Birmingham City custodian David Stockdale. The Whites targeted the 33-year-old goalkeeper even in the summer as Birmingham City transfer listed him. However, the Whites were put off by the player’s wage demands. That is also the primary reason why Garry Monk wants him out from the club as Stockdale is one of the highest earners at St. Andrew’s.
The Whites signed Jamal Blackman on loan in the summer, but an injury to the young goalkeeper might set the wheels in motion for this Leeds born goalkeeper moving to Elland Road. The custodian has a decent amount of experience of the Championship, and we believe he can really push Bailey Peacock Farrell for the starting position. Many would even consider him an upgrade over the Northern Irish custodian who has come under a lot of fire off late for his poor performances.
If Blackman wouldn’t have been injured, we believe he could have had an excellent shot of starting in goal in the near future as Peacock Farrell had let the team down on quite a few occasions. A goalkeeper is one of the key players in the team as he organises the backline and a reliable and vocal stopper gives the defenders a lot of confidence.
The Whites have been struggling to find an able goalkeeper for some time now. Last season, they brought in Felix Weidwald from Werder Bremen, and the German goalkeeper was rated highly. Though after some shambolic displays in goal, Paul Heckingbottom had to promote academy product Peacock Farrell as the no.1 in goal and the youngster did go on to impress.
However, the 21-year-old has been inconsistent, and his errors have started to cost the team of late. The Whites enjoy quite a bit of possession, so the goalkeeper isn’t tested much, and as a result, in some games, he probably gets away with it.
Stockdale could finally be the answer to all of United’s goalkeeping woes. The former Fulham stopper has an experience of over 200 games in the Championship and has also played 39 games in the English top flight keeping 72 and eight clean sheets in respective divisions.
United are also linked (The Irish Sun) with England international Tom Heaton, though the Burnley custodian could be tougher to attract, and it is not yet known whether the Clarets would let him leave. With Stockdale unwanted at Birmingham, Leeds should have an easier path in January to landing him, and this is one signing which the Whites should go for after the return of Blackman to Stamford Bridge due to an injury.
