OPINION
Leeds United should consider making a last-gasp swoop to sign free agent Sebastien Bassong and will have to be very quick to steal him from under the noses of Birmingham.
HITC Sport claim that Championship rivals Birmingham are prepped to offer the defender a deal until the end of the season after impressing on trial with them.
It it understood that their manager Harry Redknapp is keen on the available 31-year-old, who is looking for a new club following his departure from Norwich in the summer.
However, Leeds should be plotting a late move to sign the centre-back as they could have done with one more defensive reinforcement during the summer window.
Thomas Christiansen has Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson as senior options in defence, but Matthew Pennington is currently sidelined through injury and youngster Conor Shaughnessy is still unproven asa senior level.
Bassong would fit the bill of being an experienced player that can provide cover in the Whites squad and ease Leeds’ shortage at the back.
Bassong is a left-sided defender that is predominantly left footed and would give the team a good balance if called upon to play.
The 18-time capped Cameron international is still only 31 and has plenty of years ahead of him.
He has 177 Premier League appearances under his belt and would be a trusted head that Christiansen could turn to during the course of a long Championship season.
Birmingham are certainly frontrunners in the race for Bassong, but Elland Road should be a tempting proposition for most free agents as they look set for a promotion charge.
Leeds fans may scoff at the idea of moving for Bassong and could argue that his best days are behind him, but it’s extra numbers in the squad that are needed and the former Norwich ace would be a smart addition.