Leeds United once failed to secure apparent target David Stockdale from Garry Monk

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Leeds United are reportedly interested in a move for Birmingham City goalkeeper David Stockdale. The Sunday People (17/11/2019; pg50) is reporting that the Whites are considering a move for the boyhood Leeds fan in January. 

It comes amid uncertainty surrounding current number one Kiko Casilla and his potential suspension after being charged with using racially offensive language at an opponent. 

The 34-year-old has not featured regularly for the Championship side this season and, reportedly, would welcome a move to Leeds. 

Of course, this is not the first time Leeds have been linked with Stockdale. 

In 2017, The Mirror suggested Leeds were set to sign the player, who was set to become a free agent at former club Brighton. 

Instead, he headed to Birmingham, linking up with Harry Redknapp at St Andrew’s. However, things soon went wrong. Redknapp was sacked in September and his replacement, Steve Cotterill, was gone the following March. 

Former Leeds United manager Garry Monk soon took over and he was clearly not a fan of Stockdale’s. 

That summer, Monk made it clear that Stockdale was not in his plans and talk of a Leeds move again cropped up. 

As reported by the Birmingham Mail, Monk suggested Stockdale would be allowed to leave the club if the right deal emerged, with Leeds heavily linked with his transfer. 

“All the players I don’t see in terms of going forward have been told, David is one of them.

“It’s for him to find the right solution to himself.

“But it’s got to suit the club as well, it has always got to be on our terms. If the club feels it’s the right package then the club will do it.”

No deal ever happened and Leeds eventually signed Jamal Blackman from Chelsea instead. Stockdale, meanwhile, remains on the periphery under Monk’s successor, and fellow former Leeds employee, Pep Clotet. 

This time Leeds will hope they finally get their man. If Casilla ends up unavailable having Stockdale, a player who has won promotion to the Premier League, as back-up would be a massive help.