Leeds United reportedly want Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Danny Batth and a one-time Chelsea prospect could be his replacement.
Wolves summer transfer activity certainly doesn’t bode well for the future of captain Danny Batth. The club have already signed three centre-backs this summer and, according to OwnGoalNigeria, a fourth could soon be on his way.
Wolves have reportedly agreed a £3 million deal for Chelsea’s Nigerian international Kenneth Omeruo and he will undergo a medical on Monday afternoon.
Therefore, if Batth’s future was uncertain before, it most certainly is now. The Express and Star report that the towering defender, who emerged through Wolves’ youth ranks and has made 177 appearances for the club, may be allowed to leave this summer to make way for new additions.
Omeruo’s arrival could be the final straw for Danny Batth
And the signing of Omeruo, added to Roderick Miranda, Willy Boly and Ryan Bennett, suggests that a move away from Molineux may be on the cards for the long-serving skipper.
However, this may be music to the ears of Leeds United. According to The Sun (page 61, 9 July), The Whites were interested in landing both Batth and his Wolves team-mate Matt Doherty this summer in a combined £4.5 million deal.
With Kyle Bartley returning to Swansea City upon the expiry of his loan deal, Pontus Jansson and the hitherto out-of-favour Liam Cooper were the only natural, senior centre-halves available to new manager Thomas Christiansen.
Speculation has intensified in recent days that Bristol City’s Aden Flint is another name on Leeds’ radar but The Mirror claims that he could cost as much as £4 million – double the amount the Whites had hoped to pay for Batth.
Batth did not enjoy his best season in 2016/17
Furthermore, Bristol City will not want to let their key man and captain leave. Unlike Wolves, who appear more than happy to push Batth down the pecking order.
Therefore, now is the time for Leeds to make their move.
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