Leeds United should consider Scott Malone swoop

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Should Leeds United explore the idea of signing the Fulham defender?

It seems certain that Charlie Taylor will leave Leeds United on a Bosman this summer after rejecting the chance to extend his contract at Elland Road.

With that in mind, Leeds are certainly in the market for a left-back and they could do a lot worse than a move for Fulham defender Scott Malone.

The 26-year-old had an excellent 2016-17 campaign with the Cottagers and made it into the English Football League’s Championship Team of the Season (Sky Sports).

His combination of pace, power, skill and flair might just make him an ideal candidate to replace Taylor.

Taylor is an excellent attacking left-back, and the former Cardiff City man isn’t half bad neither.

Last season, Malone, who scored six goals in 36 Championship outings, picked up three assists and set up seven goalscoring chances for his team-mates which, for a defender, is a very decent return. Only Tommy Smith, with 13, managed more.

In addition to that, only two full-backs in the division – Chris Lowe and Cyrus Christie – managed to trump his 32 accurate crosses. Accurate deliveries are useful if they’re directed at a 6’3 striker who can head a ball – like, say, Chris Wood maybe.

Question is, is he available?

Fulham won’t want to lose him, but he only has a year to go on his contract, after being given a two-year deal following his move last summer, so Leeds would not have to break the bank to sign him – and an offer would give the Cottagers something to think about.

The London outfit pipped Leeds to the fourth and final playoff spot in the Championship in May, so a switch to Elland Road, based on last season, would not be a huge step up, but it is an exciting time for the Yorkshire club who have a new owner, new head coach and, crucially, new players.

On Friday, Poland international Mateusz Klich followed the permanent signing of Hadi Sacko and a number of others are rumoured to be closing in on a move.

If Taylor is the only big-name departure from the club this summer then there is every chance that United will mount another serious promotion bid – and Thomas Christiansen should see whether Malone would like to be involved.