Leeds United are keen to add more quality to their defensive department and are eyeing up a move for a young player in the Premier League, according to the latest reports.
On the opening day of the campaign, the West Yorkshire outfit proved they still need reinforcements at the back. Despite re-signing Joe Rodon on a permanent basis and bringing Jayden Bogle to the club for a reported £5 million from Sheffield United, the Whites still conceded three goals against Portsmouth. Both Rodon and Bogle started in Daniel Farke’s back four.
A late goal in stoppage time from Brenden Aaronson rescued a much-needed point at Elland Road but the defensive display on show left a lot to be desired. As a result, it seems as though the German coach is keen to bring another defender to the club before the transfer window ends.
The Daily Mail have revealed, via MOT Leeds News, that Leeds United have made an offer to Premier League giants Chelsea to sign centre-back Bashir Humphreys, although it is unclear whether the Blues are willing to sell the 21-year-old permanently or only allow him to leave on a season-long loan. Nevertheless, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Saturday afternoon that the West London club would prefer to sell Humphreys “as it stands”.
Furthermore, The Daily Mail have claimed that Farke’s side face competition from recently relegated side Burnley as head coach Scott Parker is also keen to bolster his backline before the market closes, having already signed Maxime Esteve at the end of his loan spell at Turf Moor for around £10.3 million.
Humphreys has some experience playing in the Championship as he spent the previous campaign out on loan at Swansea City in what was quite an inconsistent season for the Swans. The young defender made 26 appearances during his time in South Wales, although he has yet to make his league debut for Chelsea which now seems unlikely to ever come to fruition should he leave on a permanent basis this summer.
Writer’s View
The Exeter-born centre-half can also play in midfield which is potentially one of the main reasons why Farke is eyeing a move for him before the end of the month. With Glen Kamara recently leaving for Rennes, Humphreys could offer adequate cover in the middle of the park if the likes of Joe Rothwell, Ilia Gruev or Ethan Ampadu pick up injuries.
Nonetheless, the heart of the defence is where Humphreys will likely see the most minutes at Leeds United. Rodon and Pascal Struijk will be Farke’s primary defensive partnership for the remainder of the campaign, just as it was on Saturday against Portsmouth, but the Championship is a gruelling division with games coming thick and fast.
Leeds will need several trustworthy centre-backs if they are to ride out difficult periods and Humphreys could play this role nicely in the squad. However, the main problem will be whether he wants to come to Elland Road and have limited game time or potentially make the switch to Burnley where he may receive more minutes.
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