Should Leeds keep Matthew Pennington on radar if he’s available?

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Leeds United signed Matthew Pennington on loan this past season, and a report has suggested that he may be available again.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reported a month ago that Leeds had put keeping Matthew Pennington high on their summer wishlist before he decided to sign a new contract with parent club Everton following a season-long loan at Elland Road.

It would have perhaps come as a surprise to some that the Whites were keen to bring Pennington back. The centre-back enjoyed a couple of extremely impressive performances in the Championship, but his general form and struggles with injury at various points probably meant that few Leeds fans lost much sleep when he decided to pen a new deal at Goodison Park.

But despite signing those fresh terms, it would appear that he may still be on the move this summer, with the Daily Mirror reporting that he is attracting Championship attention and could be allowed to move on as part of a major clear-out on Merseyside.

It would be a gamble for Leeds, but perhaps the Whites should seriously consider trying to re-sign Pennington during the summer therefore, as he arguably has the potential to be a lot better than what he showed for much of this past season.

Leeds undoubtedly need to bolster their defensive options during the coming months. And while the Yorkshire Evening Post has suggested that Kyle Bartley is a top target, the club should also look at trying to capitalise on Everton’s reported willingness to consider bids for the 23-year-old.

If Marcelo Bielsa is appointed as the club’s next manager – BBC Sport reports that Leeds are in talks with the 62-year-old – there is every chance that Leeds could deploy a back three next term. Should they do that, then Bartley should not be the only centre-back that the club look to sign.

And if Everton’s plans mean that they would be willing to negotiate a very reasonable price, Leeds may perhaps be able to bring Pennington back for less than the previous regime at Goodison Park would have wanted.

And if that is the case, then the glimpses of occasional quality that Pennington showed this past season just provide the slightest hint that he could prove to be a very smart signing indeed for Leeds, if they decided to reignite their interest.