Rangers are in pole position to sign Declan John, but Leeds United should keep an eye on the Cardiff full-back.
Cardiff City full-back Declan John is likely heading for an exit from the club this summer, with manager Neil Warnock making him surplus to requirements.
John has been impressing on loan at Glasgow Rangers, being brought into the first team for the recent clash with Celtic. Rangers will have to be quick though, because John’s form should attract alternative interest.
A club who should monitor developments is Championship side Leeds United, who still have questions to answer at left-back.
Gaetano Berardi is solid but his physical style of play makes him prone to injuries, and while Vurnon Anita has done well there filling in – it is his third favoured position.
It’s why Leeds found it necessary to bring in Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on loan from Manchester United in the summer – although this move has not panned out well, with the defender failing to make a Championship start since August.
Declan John is just 22 and is showing at Rangers why Cardiff could be making an error in discarding him, even if Warnock’s mind appears made up for now.
In three starts he has scored two goals and has one assist, and is quickly becoming a fan favourite at Ibrox.
John can play at wing-back, which would give Leeds flexibility to switch to a 3-5-2 formation which could give the Whites a better way in which to utilise their glut of midfielders.
Rangers have him until the end of the season, and Declan John will have to show his current form is sustainable, but Leeds would be smart to monitor the situation with a view to a potential move next summer.
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