Leeds United have lost a number of centre-backs this summer, including the surprise departure of Pontus Jansson.
Less than a week remains before Leeds United begin their second season under Marcelo Bielsa, and rightly so the Yorkshire club are one of the favourites to earn promotion to the Premier League.
If Leeds just add a little bit of consistency from the previous campaign, where they finished in third place, then not many teams will stop them, but as always, there are certain areas that need to be ironed out.
Certain players who have drawn the attention of Premier League clubs need to stay, whilst the centre-back area needs more legs following the surprise departure of Pontus Jansson.
Regardless of how or why he left for Brentford is another story, but his sale and no replacement, at this moment in time, is putting more pressure on Liam Cooper.
The 27-year-old was signed by Leeds in 2014 from Chesterfield when David Hockaday was in charge of the club [BBC Sport], and it is fair to say that he has been a great servant to the club.
Natural fullback Gaetano Berardi has played at centre-back for some of the matches during pre-season, which indicates just how light Bielsa’s men are in that area.
But given how last season ended, and the drama of that now-infamous semi-final play-off clash against Derby County, then the smallest of mistakes from Cooper at the start of the season will be noticed
The Northern Echo previously claimed that Leeds United are one of a number of clubs who are keen on Burnley defender Ben Gibson.
A player like Gibson would be ideal for Leeds given his experience in both England’s top-flight and the second tier of English football.
Plus, his calmness and experience would help take that extra pressure off Cooper’s shoulders and even help take his game to the next level.
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