Garry Monk’s competitive debut as the new Leeds manager didn’t go very well – the Whites lost 3-0 at Loftus Road against QPR, and the team clearly have to find reinforcements if they want to compete for promotion this year.
The 22 players in the senior squad are clearly not enough and with the latest Gaetano Berardi’s injury, Monk needs to react quickly and bring in the new players. Leeds seems to have some defensive vulnerabilities; they only have three centre-backs and two full-backs, one of which is Berardi, who will have to spend some time on the sidelines.
Monk had to use two U-21 players against QPR, and will need more experienced faces in the squad so the club will test the market for new additions.
One of the players who could come to Elland Road is Leicester City defender Liam Moore, who is available for a cut-price of £1 million. Reading is also in the mix for Moore’s signature.
The Peacocks are not in the best financial position and cannot splash a lot of money, so they may opt to take a couple of players on loan instead of buying them. One of them could be Tottenham defender Dominic Ball.
The 21-year-old had a solid year at Rangers last season, and can also play at full-back position, but he lacks experience. However, he is worth the gamble considering the complexity of Leed’s current situation. If they don’t get Moore, Ball could be a useful option.
Two full-backs could join Leeds in the coming days: Conor McLaughlin and Alexis Scholl. McLaughlin was the part of the Northern Ireland’s squad at the European Championships in France, and the 25-yar old right-back could be an excellent option for the position, especially after Berardi’s setback. Still, Fleetwood Town has the final say, and until the formal approach is being made, it’s only a speculation.
Alexis Scholl is a more realistic option, though; the Benfica B left-back appears to be nearing a move to Elland Road can be a good cover to Charlie Taylor. He will likely move on season-long loan.
Liam Bridcutt is the player that has a special place in Leeds United fans hearts, and they would like to see him again at the club. Leeds is desperate to bring in the defensive midfielder and David Moyes will not stand in their way, so the loan deal is looking highly likely.
Bridcutt spent the majority of the last season at Elland Road and was the POTY there. The 27-year-old combative midfielder would be a significant boost for Garry Monk’s side.
Monk will be looking for an attacking midfielder who would fit into his 4-2-3-1 formation and after the unconvincing performance of the 18-year-old Ronaldo Vieira, he will either use Pablo Hernandez as an AMC or will try to find a suitable player to fill the position. At the moment, the manager doesn’t have a player who is a natural attacking playmaker.
