Everton defender Matthew Pennington is on the verge of signing for Leeds United after being pictured arriving at the club’s training headquarters.
Images circulated on social media on Tuesday afternoon of a new player in the reception area of United’s Thorp Arch base.
The Leeds faithful were soon agreed that the footballer in question, who has his back to the camera, is versatile Everton youngster Pennington.
@PhilHayYEP Pennington imminent? #lufc pic.twitter.com/xweg6gxlTm
— Nick Walls (@WallsStreet90) July 18, 2017
It was clear from the television screen in the background, which was broadcasting Sky Sports News, that the picture was taken on Tuesday.
Leeds have been in the market for new centre-backs and the Yorkshire Evening Post reported earlier in the day that they are “edging close to one deal”.
Pennington, 22, has emerged on the Leeds radar after he was pushed further down the pecking order at Everton by the signing of Michael Keane from Burnley.
The former England Under-19 international has been on the books of Everton since 2005 and made nine first-team appearances but has been on loan in recent seasons at Tranmere Rovers, Coventry City and Walsall in League One.
He could now have another spell on loan amid speculation that a move to Elland Road is more likely to be temporary.
Leeds have made nine new signings this summer, although Pontus Jansson and Hadi Sacko were already at the club after successful loans last season.
Most of the Leeds arrivals so far are midfielders or attacking players, with Samuel Saiz, Vurnon Anita, Ezgjan Alioski, Mateusz Klich, Caleb Ekuban and Madger Gomes or slotting into one of those two categories.
The only new player who is predominantly defensive is goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald, although Anita can also slot in at centre-back.