Three free agent defenders Leeds United could sign to replace Sol Bamba

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Can Leeds United replace Sol Bamba?

Leeds’ Sol Bamba and Birmingham’s Clayton Donaldson in action

Leeds United announced yesterday club captain Sol Bamba has been released from his contract at the club, with The BBC reporting the news.

Bamba had lost his place in the side but it was still a surprise to see him cut, just a day after the transfer window closed.

The timing of the move meant Leeds could not sign a replacement – but they can still add a free agent.

So here is a look at three centre-backs without a club who Leeds United could potentially turn to…

Sylvain Distin

Everton veteran Sylvain Distin may be 38, but he was playing Premier League football just last season with Bournemouth.

Bournemouth’s Sylvain Distin in action with Portsmouth’s Marc McNulty

New signing from the Cherries, Eunan O’Kane should be able to give Leeds the lowdown on Distin’s current status and quality, and as a short term option, the Frenchman could be the best option around.

An FA Cup winner with Bournemouth in 2008, Distin could be a useful back-up option to fill in and add depth to the club’s defence.

Kamil Zayatte

The youngest of the trio, Kamil Zayatte is 31 and has experience playing in England with both Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Kamil Zayatte (C) celebrates with team mates after he scores against Leeds

He left the Owls in 2015 and signed with Saudi side Al Raed, but is now a free agent and is looking for a club.

Zayatte hails from Guinea and Leeds fans may remember him for the wrong reasons – he scored his first Sheffield Wednesday goal against the Whites.

Wes Brown

OK, so he’s an ex-Manchester United player, and they haven’t fared too well at Elland Road – see Scott Wootton and Danny Pugh.

Aston Villa’s Leandro Bacuna shoots past the challenge of Sunderland’s Wes Brown

But Leeds are in a tough spot if they want to sign another centre-back right now, and Brown objectively is one of the better options, playing Premier League football for Sunderland last season.

In the past month he has been linked to Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United, and would have to consider an offer from the Whites if they came calling.