Report: Leeds only eyeing Matty Pennington as cover amid loan interest

Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds United are reportedly hoping to bring Matthew Pennington back to Elland Road for a second loan spell this summer.

According to a report from the Yorkshire Evening Post, Marcelo Bielsa is likely to want Matthew Pennington as cover, with the new Leeds head coach deciding that Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson are going to be his first-choice centre-back pairing for the coming season.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that the Whites are keen to bring the Everton defender back to Elland Road for a second loan spell, but face competition from fellow Championship side Wigan Athletic for his signature.

However, while the Yorkshire Evening Post reports that the Latics are willing to hand the 23-year-old a starting spot immediately, Bielsa is likely to see Pennington as cover for Jansson and Cooper if he does arrive.

Pennington could of course force his way into the side on a regular basis if he does impress when given a chance, but the defender would perhaps be forgiven for preferring the move to Wigan at this stage, and Everton would be forgiven for looking to steer him towards the move that is more likely to see him secure plenty of minutes.

There were glimpses of real quality during Pennington’s first spell at Leeds, but he did generally struggle with fitness and form and has plenty to prove with his next move if he hopes to make the grade at Goodison Park.

Heading to Wigan may perhaps represent the easier option, but returning to Leeds, forcing his way into Bielsa’s plans and winning his critics over in the process would surely be the best way for the centre-back to make a statement to his parent club.