Championship underachievers Leeds United want to sign centre-back Matthew Pennington on a permanent basis from Premier League Everton.
There could be a tug-of-war between Leeds United and Everton this summer with Matthew Pennington stuck in the middle.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds want to keep the on-loan defender beyond this summer with a permanent deal in the offing. But Everton rate the 23-year-old academy graduate very highly and are hoping to get him a new contract and commit his future to the Goodison Park club.
As it stands, Pennington has just one year left on his current deal at Everton.
But the fact that Leeds want the defender on a permanent basis seems a little strange. After all, he has not exactly impressed this season, struggling with injuries and copping plenty of criticism for his displays even when fully fit.
In truth, Pennington’s performances have not justified Leeds trying to keep him at Elland Road – particularly when the West Yorkshire giants have a number young centre-backs of their own waiting in the wings.
Conor Shaughnessy (above) and Paudie O’Connor have impressed when given a chance in the first-team this season. The latter scored an unfortunate own goal against Barnsley on Saturday but, a fortnight earlier, was excellent on his debut in a 1-1 home draw with Sunderland.
And that is without mentioning Aapo Halme, the towering Finnish stopper who arrived from HJL Helsinki in January for under £500,000 but is yet to make an impact due to injury.
Perhaps Leeds would be better developing their own promising centre-backs rather than signing someone elses.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
