OPINION
Leeds United’s defensive form of late should be a real concern for manager Thomas Christiansen and bringing in new recruits in the next transfer window could be a smart move to fix the problem.
The Whites have conceded 19 goals in their opening 16 Championship matches and that is despite an impressive start to the season.
They have lost six of their last seven league games though and there needs to be a dramatic turnaround if they are to stay in the hunt for promotion.
Leeds need to particularly consider strengthening their full-back options and forgotten Premier League star Jon Flanagan could be a great target for them.
The Liverpool defender has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield after bad luck with injuries and is now struggling to force his way back into Jurgen Klopp’s plans.
However, the 24-year-old is a very capable 24-year-old that could thrive at Elland Road and an initial loan deal in January could suit both parties.
Flanagan does have 51 senior appearances for Liverpool and is exactly the type of January addition that could reinvigorate a troubled defence.
The one-time capped England international played an important role in the 2013/14 campaign when Liverpool finished runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League, making 23 appearances in that season.
He is very capable of playing in both full-back positions and would be a class act in the Championship.
Flanagan has great defensive qualities that would help Leeds and can also support the attack well on either flank.
Luke Ayling could do with some pressure behind him in the battle for the right-back position in Christiansen’s squad, while nobody is yet to cement the left-back area and the Liverpool ace is good enough to do just that.
Flanagan needs to be playing regular football at his age and his only senior appearance so far this season came in the Carabao Cup against Leicester, while he mainly played for the Under-23s side.
Leeds could give him a huge opportunity to reignite his career and Christiansen could really do with a player with is top-flight quality.