Report: Leeds utility player could join Panathinaikos on a free transfer

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Greek outlet SDNA have claimed that Panathinaikos are interested in luring Leeds United utility man Vurnon Anita to Greece this summer, and they could get their man for nothing.

The 30-year-old has endured two difficult years at Elland Road after moving to the Whites on a free transfer from Newcastle United in the summer of 2017. He managed just 22 appearances for Leeds during 2017-18.

Struggling to make an impression despite being able to play on both sides of the defence and in holding midfield, the former Ajax man returned to his home country of Netherlands with Willem II last season.

He clocked up 31 appearances in all competitions and seemed to satisfy the top-tier outfit, but looks as though they will not be retaining his services for 2019-20.

The three-time Netherlands international is deemed surplus to requirements by Marcelo Bielsa, and Leeds may look to terminate his contract to get him off the wage bill – allowing Panathinaikos to sign him on a free.

TBR’s view – Anita needs to leave Leeds

Likely to be a on hefty wage at Elland Road, the best move for Leeds would be to orchestrate an agreed compensation package to get rid of Anita now – rather than having to pay him for another season.

The ex-Newcastle man was signed on a free from the Tyneside club, so cancelling his contract 12 months before it is due to expire is no big loss to the Yorkshire outfit.

A move to a team as big as Panathinaikos is somewhat surprising given that Anita has massively declined. But Leeds need to bite the bullet and offload the versatile midfielder.