Leeds United are likely to secure the loan capture of Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman as they await the opportunity to carry out a medical examination, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.
The Yorkshire Evening Post writer, a reputable reporter covering the Whites, claims on his personal Twitter account that the club are sitting on a move for the 6’5″ colossus (source: Transfermarkt) and that a medical is still to go ahead before a deal can be completed, but it is looking likely he will make the temporary switch this summer, with Hay’s publication having reported work was underway to seal the loan.
there is work going on in the background – trying for alternatives to Vydra, waiting for Blackman to go ahead, a couple of other deals bubbling.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 12, 2018
still to have medical etc but it does look like he'll join. Chelsea in the thick of sorting out Conte's exit
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 12, 2018
The 24-year-old shot stopper spent time out on loan at Sheffield United last season, and will fight with Bailey Peacock-Farrell for a place between the sticks.
Good move for Leeds?
The Whites are in desperate need of some reinforcements in goal and Blackman, with his experience of the Championship, will be a solid, if unremarkable, signing.
Not much older than Peacock-Farrell, the pair will face a serious fight to make the first team starting spot their own, and it could all come down to their performances in pre-season as to who gets the nod from Marcelo Bielsa.
Fans might have expected a more experienced name through the door to help guide BPF, but instead it looks like Blackman, a developing talent himself, who will be the competition.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
It sounds as though a deal is all but done right now, and that a medical is all that is missing before it can be announced.
As Hay says, Chelsea have their own issues right now and sending Blackman out on loan will not be a priority, but it seems once everything is sorted at Stamford Bridge, he will be on his way.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10