Leeds United are reportedly keen on Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper David Stockdale.
Brighton’s David Stockdale
According to The Mirror, Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper David Stockdale is a target for Leeds United this summer – the club he grew up supporting.
Stockdale, 31, has just helped Brighton win promotion to the Premier League, with his superb performances between the sticks a key feature in the Seagulls’ success.
However, the former Fulham man is out of contract this summer, and with no new deal signed, there are fears that he could leave the Amex Stadium on a free transfer.
Stockdale is now a target for Leeds United according to The Mirror, in a move which could hand the goalkeeper a dream switch to Elland Road – even if it could mean sacrificing a return to the Premier League.
Stockdale, who was born in Leeds, told Sky Sports in January that he grew up supporting the Whites, and even wanted Garry Monk’s men to finish second in the Championship table behind Brighton, sending them both to the Premier League.
David Stockdale of Brighton
That particular dream is long gone, and the prospect of Leeds going up through the play-offs is also in doubt after successive defeats to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burton Albion left them outside the top six.
Snubbing staying with Brighton and playing in the Premier League would be a surprise, but Leeds clearly hold a special place in Stockdale’s heart, and he may view this as the ideal time to finally play for his boyhood club.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s David Stockdale saves a shot from Leeds United’s Chris Wood
Robert Green has impressed this season but is now 37, and Stockdale may feel that he can take the No. 1 jersey at Elland Road, and help the club either push for promotion next season, or aim to stay in the Premier League should they sneak through the play-offs.
At 31, Stockdale’s dream is far from dead if he doesn’t sign this summer; Green joined Leeds at the age of 36 last summer, with the longevity of a goalkeeper traditionally longer than that of an outfield player – but Stockdale will want to play his best football with his boyhood club, meaning a move in his prime could be appealing.
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