Leeds United’s lack of depth at centre-back was highlighted this week.
A key part of Leeds United’s success this season has been their solid central defensive pairing of Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley.
Yet they are left sweating on the fitness of Liam Cooper this week after Jansson picked up a suspension which rules him out of this Friday’s game with Derby County.
Cooper picked up an injury in the 2-1 win over Cambridge, and if he does not recover in time for the Rams game then Kyle Bartley would be the club’s only fit available centre-back.
Leeds’ Liam Cooper has a header saved by Cambridge United’s Will Norris
Leeds could call upon Luke Ayling to move into the centre and play Lewie Coyle at right-back or even gamble on Gaetano Berardi in the middle.
But with the transfer window open, Leeds would be remiss not to consider making an emergency addition, and not leave their promotion hopes at risk of being scuppered by injury.
Here are three they may consider…
Liam Lindsay
Patrick Thistle’s Liam Lindsay (R) in action with Celtic’s Colin Kazim Richards
The Daily Record reported earlier this transfer window that Leeds are considering a move for the Partick Thistle centre-back.
Lindsay is just 21 and can play in a back three if needed, and due to his young age could be content to sit on the bench and work his way up.
The defender has an eye for goal too, managing to net six times already this season.
Rob Holding
Arsenal’s Rob Holding in action with FC Basel’s Marc Janko
Arsenal centre-back Rob Holding is a player HITC Sport understands Leeds hold an interest in, with the player potentially available for loan this month.
Holding has impressed in his limited opportunities for Arsenal this season, but the Gunners want him to go and get regular first team football in the Championship.
This may make Leeds an unlikely destination due to their established Jansson-Bartley partnership, but it still may be worth pursuing.
Craig Cathcart
Northern Ireland’s Craig Cathcart in action with Poland’s Bartosz Kapustka
Watford centre-back Craig Cathcart has played just six games this season, and needs to play regular football.
The 27-year-old was part of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 side and so knows Leeds winger Stuart Dallas, and would be a solid addition to the Leeds ranks.
He knows how to win promotion too, having made 28 starts for Watford to help them clinch an automatic place in 2014/15.
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