OPINION
After last season’s horror show in the Championship, the majority of Leeds United fans would point to their side’s lack of experience in England as a major role in their demise.
The Whites might have had a busy transfer window 12 months ago but very few of those brought in to Elland Road managed to hit anywhere near the expected heights, and there were some major flops among the new recruits.
Victor Orta might have tried to remedy his errors in January, bringing in Adam Forshaw in what looks like a smart swoop, but it was a case of too little, too late, with the damage already done.
One area which was not strengthened was that of right back, Gaetano Berardi the number one, and only, natural choice with Luke Ayling out injured, and when he was suspended towards the end of the season, centre back Matthew Pennington stepped in.
Now, there is an England international available for a bargain swoop, and the Whites must be looking at making an imminent bid to secure his signing.
Premier League giants Liverpool have confirmed via their official website that they have let Jon Flanagan leave Anfield on a free transfer this summer, having made 51 appearances for the Reds and a single cap for the Three Lions.
He spent the second half of last season at Bolton, so he has recent experience of the Championship, and his versatility to play on either side of the defence would be a massive help to Leeds going forward.
There are likely to be numerous clubs interested in taking the 25-year-old on this summer, but Leeds must push and secure an ambitious swoop which will help launch them up the second tier table.