Everton’s Matthew Pennington reportedly prefers Leeds loan return

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Leeds lead the race to sign Matthew Pennington ahead of Bolton and Wigan as Everton defender prefers Elland Road return.

Matthew Pennington is expected to complete his exit from Everton by Monday (August 6) and a return to Leeds United would be the defender’s preferred choice, reports Leeds Live.

The Whites are one of three Championship sides interested in Pennington, alongside Bolton Wanderers and newly promoted Wigan Athletic.

Yet Pennington prefers the idea of moving back to Elland Road because of the relationships he has already built up there and also because of the club’s stature.

The Toffees have told the 23-year-old to seek another loan switch this season, suggesting that the centre-back doesn’t feature in new manager Marco Silva’s immediate first team plans.

Leeds are still in need of support in central defence, with Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper, and Conor Shaughnessy currently the only options in the position.

Usual full-back Gaetano Berardi has been filling in during pre-season, but in truth another figure established in the role would be of great use to boss Marcelo Bielsa.