Leeds United are looking to bolster their defensive department this summer and have identified a defender currently plying his trade in the Championship, according to reports.
Having been unbeaten for the first three months of 2024, the Whites have now suffered three defeats in their five previous league outings, including a 1-0 loss at home to Blackburn Rovers and a humiliating 4-0 drubbing taken at Loftus Road on Friday night.
This current run of form has left the Yorkshire outfit in a worrying position going into this weekend’s clash against Southampton at Elland Road as Ipswich Town boast a game in hand, which takes place on Tuesday night at the home of Coventry City.
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Kieran McKenna’s side face Huddersfield Town later on the final day, meaning if they pick up a point at the CBS Arena tomorrow, the newly promoted club will be strong favourites to seal the final automatic spot after Leicester City.
As a result of the 4-0 thrashing endured three days ago, Leeds United will likely have to battle it out with three other clubs in the play-offs, meaning there is a chance Daniel Farke’s men remain in the Championship for another season.
Behind the scenes, the board will be tailoring their recruitment plans to both scenarios; being promoted and staying in the second tier. One name who is reportedly on the list regardless of whether the side achieve promotion or not is Nat Phillips.
The 27-year-old, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Scottish champions Celtic from Liverpool, has been with Welsh outfit Cardiff City since January. According to Darren Witcoop on Twitter/X, the centre-back is a summer transfer target for Leeds after impressing on loan in southeast Wales.
Writer’s View
Phillips has had a very good season for the Bluebirds, albeit in a short space of time. There’s no doubt he could do the same at Leeds United but, if the side were promoted to the Premier League, he would likely only be a third or fourth option at the back.
Nevertheless, if the Whites fail to return to the top-flight at the first time of asking, the Bolton-born defender could actually be a first-choice at Elland Road as a permanent deal for Joe Rodon is unlikely to come to fruition.
Deputy Head of Writing
