Both of Leeds United’s first-choice centre-backs have been linked with moves away.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Without a doubt, one of Leeds’ primary focuses during the summer transfer window has to be signing a defender, regardless of whether they secure promotion or not.
Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley have been exceptional this season, while Liam Cooper’s campaign has had its ups and downs. Beyond those three however, Garry Monk has no senior natural centre-backs to pick from.
And their situation could become even bleaker this summer with The Sun suggesting Southampton want to sign Jansson, while another report from The Sun suggested that Bartley – currently on loan from Swansea – is being pursued by three Premier League clubs, seemingly making promotion essential if the Whites hope to hold onto him.
One of the players who has been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent times is Partick Thistle starlet Liam Lindsay, with the Daily Record suggesting in December that a dossier had been compiled on the centre-back by the Yorkshire club.
Patrick Thistle’s Liam Lindsay (R) in action
And if Monk needed anymore convincing that Lindsay was a player to target, Scottish Premiership legend Kris Boyd’s assessment of the 21-year-old in The Scottish Sun should surely do the job.
“Trust me, this is a lad who can achieve anything he wants in the game because he has the physique and composure required to make it,” he told The Scottish Sun.
“Lindsay can play but he also isn’t afraid to put it in the stand and be a no-nonsense defender.”
Pontus Jansson of Leeds United
While some fans may express doubts about signing players from the Scottish league, there is arguably plenty of talented players plying their trade north of the border who may be available for a bargain fee, and Lindsay is certainly an extremely bright talent.
Not only has he helped Partick keep the best defensive record outside of the top three, but he is also their second highest goalscorer in the top flight with six goals to his name.
Leeds’ need for options arguably means that they should pursue a move for Lindsay as soon as the season ends, especially now that there are question marks over the futures of their two star centre-backs and the youngster is earning more and more rave reviews.
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