Leeds United could hijack Newcastle’s move for defensive ace: Good option For Bielsa?

Leeds United are in the market for another defender despite signing Robin Koch from Freiburg, and have reportedly been linked with a late swoop for Rob Holding.

A story from Leeds-Live claims that Newcastle United, who are favourites to sign Holding, have not been able to complete a deal with Arsenal, which could open the door for Leeds to hijack the transfer.

Fulham are also interested in Holding but should Marcelo Bielsa get this deal across the line?

Rob Holding and his career so far

Having joined Arsenal from Bolton Wanderers in 2016, Holding is yet to cement a place in the first team, and has made just 39 senior appearances in his four years with the club.

The 24-year-old made just six league starts last season and was the fifth choice centre-back for Mikel Arteta but in the games he played, Holding hardly put a foot wrong and will be a regular starter for many teams in the bottom half of the table.

Holding has the quality to break into the England national side but has not played regularly for Gareth Southgate to take notice. But a move to Elland Road could help him prove himself and push his career in the right direction.

Is he the right player for Leeds United?

Newcastle United are only looking to sign the defender on a loan, which shows how highly Arsenal rate him at the moment.

However, if Bielsa can offer Holding more first-team opportunities, this could be a profitable move for everyone involved.

A ball-playing defender who prefers to play out from the back, Holding is calm and composed centre-half, who is adept at dropping deep and soaking up pressure.

Holding is quick to cut off passing lanes and also rarely mistimes a tackle. His positioning and understanding of the game see him frustrate even the best of attackers and at 24, he is a long term option for any club that chooses to spend on him.

Leeds used Ben White and Liam Cooper as first choice centre-backs last season, with Gaetano Berardi and Luke Ayling acting as backups.

Berardi has now left the club as a free agent while Ben White is back with Brighton after his loan stint. Koch’s arrival will add more quality of depth, but he could take a bit of time to settle in the English top-flight. Holding, with his experience, could straight-away make an impact at Leeds, and offer Bielsa the depth in the Premier League.

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