Leeds United have placed all their goalkeeping eggs in the transfer basket of Chelsea’s Jamal Blackman as they try to persuade him to join on a season-long loan, according to Leeds Live.
The Trinity Mirror site claim the Championship giants must convince the 24-year-old to move to Elland Road ahead of his other suitors, the Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem.
Leeds Live report the Yorkshire giants’ charm offensive is underway for a player they have identified as their number one target after moves for Angus Gunn and David Stockdale were left dead in the water.
Good move for Leeds?
Yes. Blackman has come through the ranks at Chelsea and, although he is yet to make his first-team bow, there is no shame in that given the imposing figures of Thibaut Courtois and Petr Cech dominating the position in the last decade. The keeper has had successful spells out on loan, including at Sheffield United last season, where he demonstrated he can be a number one in the demanding English second tier. Leeds badly need a senior keeper of quality to compete with Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who made a sound impression in the second half of last season but does not look ready yet to be the regular number one. Blackman could be a fine signing as Leeds’ options narrow quickly following Gunn’s move to Southampton and no success in landing United fan Stockdale.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
It’s certainly highly possible. Blackman would come without a fee and Leeds have already brought in one player this summer on loan from Chelsea, the midfielder Lewis Baker. It appears to be a straight race between the Yorkshire outfit and Chelsea’s Dutch feeder club Vitesse.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10