TBR View: Leeds need to bring defender back, with Everton reportedly set to sell

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The left-back slot has become somewhat of an issue for Leeds United in recent months, with Barry Douglas’ injury struggles seeing Marcelo Bielsa chop and change between his options – but an Everton star could solve that problem this summer.

Douglas has only managed 13 appearances in all competitions for Leeds this season, and just four starts for the Yorkshire side. He seems to be past his peak, with his best days coming in the form of his final season at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Still a solid player, Leeds need to bring in a new left-back in the summer. That is because Bielsa has been swapping between the likes of Gjanni Alioski, Stuart Dallas and Gaetano Berardi on the left side of the defence.

Alioski is naturally a winger, as is Dallas – while Berardi has been changed into a central defender of late. Leif Davis has impressed on occasion, but he is still young and learning the trade in the Under-23 side.

If Leeds are to solve the issue in the summer and bring in a new left-sided defender, they should look no further than bringing Luke Garbutt back to Elland Road. The Everton defender has starred on loan at Ipswich Town, under Paul Lambert.

The Liverpool Echo confirmed that the 26-year-old will leave Everton this summer, as his £28,000-a-week (Spotrac) contract is due to expire. The England Under-21 only managed 12 senior games for The Toffees, after leaving Leeds as a 16-year-old.

Though he has failed to reach his early potential, Garbutt is finally showing the quality thay was expected of him – even if it is at League One level. For Ipswich, he has scored six goals in 30 outings, as well as laying on three assists.

Not only has he starred at left-back, but Garbutt has been used as a left-sided midfielder at times. Bielsa loves versatility, and bringing Garbutt back – 11 years after he left – would be an excellent bit of business on a free transfer.