Keiren Westwood would be a colossal signing for Leeds

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Leeds United are set to take a positive stride in their pursuit of promotion this season by reportedly signing Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.

According to the Daily Mirror on their live transfer blog (8:08am, 11 December), the Whites are primed to sign the 34-year-old on a free transfer from their Yorkshire rivals.

Westwood, who has 21 international caps for Republic or Ireland, is exactly the type of signing Marcelo Bielsa’s side need in January.

The shot-stopper has not featured for Wednesday in the first-team this season, but has been a top performer in the Championship for a number of years.

He has kept 82 clean sheets in 270 Championship appearances during his career and can provide competition in the Leeds goal that is currently missing.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell is the first-choice option in goal at Elland Road right now, but a serious injury to loanee Jamal Blackman has meant the club are left with just academy players in reserve.

Westwood would be a senior option to compete with Peacock-Farrell, who is still vulnerable to mistakes as the 22-year-old learned his trade.

Westwood played a key role in Wednesday finishing inside the Championship play-offs positions during the 2016/17 season and if he can rediscover that form would be a brilliant signing for Leeds.

Bielsa’s side could be in real trouble in their push for promotion if they lose Peacock-Farrell to injury, but the experience of Westwood could be just what is needed to get over the line.