Leeds United are looking for a new right-sided defender this summer and have made an enquiry about signing one on loan from Chelsea ahead of the window.
The right side of the defence has surfaced as a priority once more this summer, with Connor Roberts returning to Burnley following a loan spell at Elland Road, and he might now face Leeds next season.
Joe Rodon has also left, and while Leeds are certainly anxious to get the Welshman back to Elland Road, Premier League clubs want to strike a deal with Tottenham, which would require a £10 million fee to sign Rodon.
Luke Ayling has departed permanently, and Jamie Shackleton is set to do so at the end of the month. Sam Byram continues, although Leeds need a new right-back and a successor for Rodon for the following season.
Leeds have been connected with Chelsea right-back Alfie Gilchrist since the end of the season, after making 17 professional appearances for the London club under Mauricio Pochettino.
Leeds make an enquiry to sign Chelsea star Alfie Gilchrist.
Earlier in the season, Jamie Redknapp lavished praise on Gilchrist, describing the talented defender as “excellent”. Now, he appears to be on his way to the Championship in pursuit of playing time.
According to sources, Gilchrist would be interested in moving to Elland Road ahead of the upcoming season to help the club’s promotion push to the Premier League. Gilchrist can play as a right-back or in the center.
According to reporter Ben Jacobs of the London is Blue podcast, Leeds, Preston, and Blackburn have all made “initial enquiries” about signing the intriguing Chelsea academy product on loan in the coming weeks.
Leeds may benefit from Jesse Marsch’s pursuit of Gilchrist.
According to Transfermarkt, Gilchrist is represented by a company named Louie Anthony Sports Ltd. The same company that represents now-Canada and former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch may aid Leeds.
It helps that Leeds will have had to work closely with Marsch’s agent to bring the American to Elland Road in the first place, and that relationship may remain in place while pursuing a deal for Gilchrist.
Leeds, of the three clubs interested, is likely to be the most appealing to Gilchrist if the club can provide the defender with enough game time to persuade him to join Yorkshire this summer.
