This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Leeds United are eyeing up a swoop for Birmingham City goalkeeper David Stockdale after the Blues told him he could leave St Andrews this summer, according to a report.
The Yorkshire Evening Post claim on their website that the 32-year-old shot stopper, who stands at a giant 6’2″, will be made available for sale this summer as Garry Monk looks to conduct a complete overhaul of his side.
It is said that Leeds, who signed Andy Lonergan and Felix Wiedwald last summer, could pounce for the former Brighton man, as they look to bolster their options between the sticks, youngster Bailey Peacock-Farrell usurping the two new arrivals after their disappointing performances.
Good move for Leeds United?
While there have been weaknesses all over the pitch for the Whites over the last 12 months, goalkeepers have been one of their biggest issues, and it has only been sorted by the emergence of Peacock-Farrell.
However the youngster should have an experienced competitor for a role in the first team and if Paul Heckingbottom is looking for a new shot stopper, then he could do a lot worse than Stockdale.
With 36 appearances in the Championship for Blues in the season just gone, he is a proven talent in the second tier and if Monk is willing to let him go, then there will be more than just the Whites chasing his capture.
He ticks all the boxes for Heckingbottom, and should offer much more than Lonergan and Wiedwald.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
If Leeds do decide to pounce for Stockdale, then this is a move which could be done in a matter of weeks.
Convincing him to move to Elland Road should not be too difficult a task, but the Whites will not want to leave it too late, for there could well be a whole host of sides clambering to secure his services.
The only decision left to make is who to get rid of; Wiedwald, Lonergan, or both.