Signing Luke Woolfenden could make Ben White suggestion about Leeds United

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Leeds United are currently top of the Sky Bet Championship and yesterday they were linked with a move for Ipswich Town defender Luke Woolfenden (TWTD).

The Whites will be keen to bolster their defensive ranks in the summer regardless of which division they will play in during 2020/21.

Woolfenden has played 31 of Ipswich’s games in League One this season and is also attracting interest from Crystal Palace.

The uncompromising youngster is solid it the tackle, comfortable on the ball and at 21 he has plenty of years ahead of him.

If Leeds were to land the youngster, however, it would perhaps suggest that their aspirations of signing Ben White are over.

The on-loan Brighton and Hove Albion man has been a star performer for the Whites during 2019/20.

Arriving in the summer on loan for the season, the 22-year-old has caught the eye with a series of mature performances.

He has started every league game for Leeds, even filling in for Kalvin Phillips in the heart of midfield.

The Sun has reported that White could be valued at £25 million by Brighton with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly interested.

That trio alone could be enough to rule Leeds out of the race but promotion to the Premier League might have tempted the club into trying to make his loan deal permanent.

It would appear that the interest in Woolfenden is perhaps telling, however.

Leeds could spend big on White but they clearly fancy taking another punt on a similar defender; saving themselves some money in the process.

Options

Leeds have gone with White and Liam Cooper for the 2019/20 campaign with Gaetano Berardi acting as backup.

Bielsa’s squad isn’t massive, particularly at the back and if the club is promoted some players will be required.

Clearly one or two new arrivals need to be defenders and the addition of Woolfenden does make perfect sense.

Ipswich are in freefall in League One having previously held a lofty position at the top of the table.

Signing the 21-year-old shouldn’t be a problem for Leeds and he would be a cheaper alternative to White.

Some Whites supporters might raise doubts to start with. If he comes in and shows a similar level of willing to that of the Brighton man, Leeds will be on to a winner, however.