Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa’s priority in the transfer window is to replace experienced central defender Pontus Jansson, who left the Whites for Brentford recently, ending speculation regarding the 28-year-old defender’s future at Elland Road.
The Championship side have signed Ben White on loan from Brighton, but they will need more central defenders before the season starts.
The latest central defender linked with a move to Leeds is former Chelsea and England defender Gary Cahill, whose contract with the Blues expired last month.
As per a report by Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa – the club where Cahill came through and made a name for himself – were keen to add the Englishman to the side, but following the signings of central defenders Ezri Konsa, Kortney Hause, and Tyrone Mings, the Villans’ interest in their former player has waned and Cahill is the bookies favourite to sign with Leeds.
After seven years with Chelsea, where he won the Premier League and Europa League twice, as well as the Champions League once, Cahill’s Chelsea career came to an end in 2019 after being overlooked by the previous manager, Maurizio Sarri.
He made just 8 appearances in his final campaign with Chelsea, ending his Blues career with 290 appearances and 25 goals.
Gary Cahill would be a solid option for Leeds United
Leeds United have to strengthen in the centre-back position as they currently do not have too many options in the heart of the defence.
Liam Cooper, Gaetano Berardi, and Ben White are the three first-team centre-backs, while right-back Luke Ayling, and defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips can also play there.
The Championship side need an experienced defender at the back, a player who is technically sound with the ball at his feet, aggressive in defence, as well as a leader.
Cahill ticks all those boxes, while also possessing the ability to score goals from set-pieces, as well as defend very well when the ball is in the air, thanks to his exceptional heading ability.
With Cahill available on a free transfer, the deal makes great financial sense, while he would be a very good leader and add more experience to a young Leeds United side.