Leeds are reportedly interested in re-signing Everton defender Pennington.
Former Leeds United defender Ben Parker has told Proper Sport’s LS11 Podcast that he is unsure over the club re-signing Everton defender Matthew Pennington.
The Yorkshire Evening Post have reported that talks have been staged between Leeds and Everton over a second season-long deal for the Toffees academy product, who was indifferent at Elland Road last season.
The 23-year-old made 24 league and cup appearances under Thomas Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom last term, but was largely used as second fiddle to Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson.
Parker, who played for Leeds 50 times before injuries forced him down the football pyramid, said Pennington made him nervous when in possession of the ball last season and is unsure over a second move for the 6ft 1in centre-back.
“I’ve been nervous watching him receive the ball from the goalkeeper a few times,” Parker said. “I remember a few times last season, he was getting the ball and it was almost like it was a hot potato.
“But it’s different tactics and a different manager. Different tactics suit different players.”
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has openly admitted that Cooper and Jansson will be the club’s first-choice centre-backs this season, while Gaetano Berardi showed his versatility with an excellent display against Stoke on Sunday.
The Whites also have Conor Shaughnessy to welcome back after a long-term ankle injury, while the club have allowed Paudie O’Connor to join Blackpool on a season-long loan. Luke Ayling has played at centre-back on occasion.
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