Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing the Huddersfield left-back in January.
According to a recent report from Club Call, Leeds United are interested in signing Huddersfield Town left-back Scott Malone on loan in January, so what could that mean for Gaetano Berardi?
After all, the Swiss defender made the position his own last season, excelling after moving from the opposite flank due to the impressive form of Luke Ayling.
But with Leeds struggling for consistency this time round, it seems their manager Thomas Christiansen wants a experienced left-sided player in that position after experimenting with Berardi, Vurnon Anita and, to a lesser extent, loanee Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.
Berardi is a fan favourite at Elland Road, racking up 88 appearances for Leeds to date. But this season he has looked out of sorts and with the Whites’ defence shipping goals at an alarming rate in recent weeks, it is no surprise that changes are already afoot.
Malone would be a canny addition, rarely getting a look in since joining Huddersfield but with plenty of Championship experience from his time at Fulham, Cardiff City and Bournemouth to name a few.
At 26, he is three years Berardi’s junior and will be desperate to make up for lost time this season. He could also prove every bit as effective on the left as Ayling has on the right.
It would be a shame if Leeds’ Swiss defender is shunted aside in January but he will at least know that he has a few more months to prove his worth, potentially convincing Christiansen that a move for another left-back is unnecessary.
It could be the motivation Berardi needs to rediscover his best form, or Leeds fans may be seeing the last of the 29-year-old in a position that may not be a natural fit but has often brought out the best in the player.
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