Leeds United are interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur left-back Ben Davies, according to a report from Phil Hay in The Athletic.
Davies is no longer the starting left-back at Spurs with Destiny Udogie taking over the position. The Welsh defender is now the subject of interest from Leeds, who could offer him guaranteed game time week-in-week-out. He has played 85 times for his country since his debut in 2012, meaning the Championship club could not be signing someone with much more experience if a deal is agreed.
A full-back is something of a priority for the Whites within this transfer window. Djed Spence was recalled from his loan at Elland Road by Spurs this month, and Luke Ayling also went on loan to Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough. Cover is needed in the position, and the club have identified some targets.
The 30-year-old, who spent some of his youth career at Swedish club Viborg FF, is one of five defenders on the club’s current shortlist. Ben Johnson, Ryan Giles, Connor Roberts and Neco Williams are also players that Leeds are currently keeping an eye on. All the players are struggling for game time at their respective clubs and would benefit from a move to Yorkshire in search of more game time.
Ange Postecoglou has called upon Davies several times this season, but that has usually been to cover injuries. The defender has slotted in at centre-back to fill the gap left by the previously injured Mickey Van De Ven and Cristian Romero and has performed well in the games he has featured in.
Outside of that, game time has been difficult, and it’s unlikely to change as the season drags on. Despite this, the report suggests that Spurs are unlikely to sanction a move. They are short in the position, and another injury crisis like the one they’ve already faced would see the team needing someone like the former Swansea man in the squad.
The Whites are still keeping an eye on the situation, in the event the London club make a signing before the window closes that sees the defender becoming a loan candidate.
Writer’s View
Davies would be a top signing for Leeds due to his ability to play in several roles. The Welsh international, who has made 222 appearances in a Tottenham shirt, can play left-back, left centre-back and also at left wing-back and is therefore a versatile option. It would be a huge boost to Farke’s side, who are lacking in several areas at this moment in time.
Postecoglou however is extremely likely to want to keep hold of a player with the experience of his number 33, and the Whites may have to look elsewhere to sign a new full-back. Williams from Nottingham Forest could be a deal that could be done easily, due to the recent sanctions that the Premier League club are facing.
