Leeds United ‘in chase’ for £6m defender who is a Premier League club captain

Leeds United is reportedly in a two-horse race to recruit Joe Worrall, the Nottingham Forest outcast, as they look to bolster their defense this month.

Worrall, a central defender for Forest, has primarily played cup football; since Nuno Espirito Santo became manager, he has played just one minute in the Premier League. In December, former manager Steve Cooper barred the 27-year-old from first-team training and told him he might go as soon as the transfer window opened.

Worrall has appeared to be heading out of the City Ground, but little has happened despite rumors of interest from teams like West Ham and Leicester City. Journalist Alan Nixon has now suggested Leeds and Sheffield United as possible destinations for the 27-year-old, with the transfer market closing on Thursday.

Nixon continues, implying that Forest would prefer a permanent departure for their club captain, adding that they are seeking £6 million for Worrall. However, given the short notice before the deadline, the defender’s lack of real interest may make a loan arrangement possible.

After Charlie Cresswell was left off of the squad by Daniel Farke in recent weeks, it appeared like Leeds might require additional center backs. The 21-year-old drew interest from the Championship and appeared to be moving on, but he was benched for Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round draw against Plymouth at home, and it appears that he will remain in West Yorkshire after accepting his job as Joe Rodon’s backup.

Nixon recently hinted that Blackburn Rovers would be interested in Liam Cooper after they were unable to get Nat Phillips on a Liverpool loan. However, the YEP is aware that Leeds has no plans to trade their club captain and that Cooper is eager to defend his position.

Luke Ayling has already joined Middlesbrough on loan, meaning Farke has already lost one of his squad’s more seasoned players. When his contract ends in the summer, he appears certain to walk away from Leeds on a free. The Whites are thin at right-back as a result of his departure and the choice to send Djed Spence back to Tottenham, and that will likely be the main topic of discussion between now and Thursday.

Read more news.https://sportupdates.co.uk