Leeds United are prioritising signing defenders next in the transfer window, with Nat Phillips and Taylor Harwood-Bellis identified by the transfer chiefs as two targets, according to Leeds Live.
The Whites are set to lose another defender with Max Wober close to joining Borussia Monchengladbach and those in charge at Elland Road have identified a new centre-back as the most crucial place for recruitment.
So far this summer, Leeds have looked for young targets, with Gretar Steinsson and Nick Hammond in charge of recruitment identifying the Liverpool and Manchester City players respectively.
Discussing the Whites upcoming business, Beren Cross writes: “The loss of that dozen cast against the backdrop of just two senior arrivals cannot help but shine a light on how much work there is still to be done in the transfer window.
“Centre-backs, left-backs, central midfielders, advanced playmakers and centre forwards would be wise bases to target between now and September 1. The former are, Leeds Live understands, currently being targeted with the most vigour by Gretar Steinsson and Nick Hammond.
“Liverpool’s Nat Phillips and Manchester City’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis remain under consideration as two of the options in central defence they like.”
So far this summer, Leeds’ incoming recruitment has been clever, picking up out of favour (but in form) players from clubs for cut price fees, allowing them to navigate financial fair play rules while securing impressive talent.
Phillips fits this mould, he may have only played two matches in the Premier League last season, but he has also impressed in Champions League nights against the likes of AC Milan at the San Siro.
Because of his lack of recent gametime and his low place in the Liverpool pecking order, he may well be able to be signed for a fairly modest fee and could certainly flourish in England’s second tier.
Harwood-Baylis represents a younger option, that would likely be available on loan, he captained England in their U-21 European Championships win this summer having impressed with Burnley on a temporary basis in the Championship.
There is an argument that the Manchester City youngster could be deserving of a Premier League loan after an impressive campaign last time out, but that should only make him more of an important target for the Whites.
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