Leeds United have switched their attention to Newcastle United’s Paul Dummett as they continue to search for defensive recruits, according to Football Insider.
Daniel Farke is keen to bring in reinforcements to his back line before the transfer window closes tonight. However, he appears to be missing out on his primary targets thus far.
The Whites have been working on a number of deals throughout the week, including Everton’s Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate and Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall. It looks as if they are set to lose the race on all three though, with reports that Godfrey will remain at Goodison Park whilst the other two look set to move to Sheffield United.
It is said that talks are continuing with Leicester City over a potential loan for Harry Souttar, and Burnley right-back Connor Roberts looks set for a switch to Elland Road.
More options are being explored though, and Football Insider now claim that Leeds are set to battle it out with promotion rivals Ipswich Town for the versatile Paul Dummett. The 32-year-old could be set for a late temporary deal away from St James’ Park in order to secure regular first team football after finding minutes hard to come by in recent seasons.
The five-time Welsh international failed to make a single Premier League appearance last season whilst he has just four minutes of top flight action to his name this season. His contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign as an exit from the North East looks increasingly likely.
He did pen a new one-year deal at the Magpies last summer, saying at the time that it was a ‘no brainer’ despite his lack of action:
“I had a few injuries at the start of last season, but since the World Cup break I’ve been fit. I’ve had a full pre-season under my belt so I’m feeling good.
“My contract was coming to an end last season and I didn’t play any minutes in the Premier League, which is obviously difficult, but the team played unbelievably and finished fourth. Every player who put the shirt on performed magnificently so I couldn’t complain about not getting minutes.
“I’m a local player, supported Newcastle since I was a young boy so when the manager told me he wanted me to stay it was a no-brainer (to sign a new contract).
“This season there will be more games and more opportunities. As long as I’m fit and ready when the manager calls upon me, I’ll wear that shirt with pride and give my all every time I wear it.”
Writer’s View
Dummett is a player with bags of experience, but it is a signing that would be a risk for both Leeds and Ipswich. The defender has barely kicked a ball over the past couple of years and would surely take time to build up any kind of match fitness.
That said though, he is a former Championship winner with Newcastle, and it is that mentality which could prove to be the difference maker to either club as we reach the business end of the season. It’s a risk, but perhaps one that is worth taking.
