Everton centre-back Matthew Pennington wants to re-sign for Leeds United, according to Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Phil Hay.
The reliable journalist claimed on his personal Twitter account on Sunday morning that while Pennington, 23, is interested in a return to Elland Road, Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa does not appear as though he is looking to snap up another centre-back before the loan window slams shut next Friday.
Pennington wants to come but Bielsa doesn't seem in any way bothered about signing another centre-back.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 26, 2018
The 6ft 1 (transfermarkt) defender spent all of last season on loan with the Whites, and although he is open to a return, Bielsa’s stance surely means that no deal will happen between now and the start of September.
OPINION
It is very strange that Bielsa would not want another centre-back added to his squad. Liam Cooper’s injury has exposed the lack of depth in this area of the squad with Jamie Shackleton forced to play in his position against Swansea on Tuesday. Bielsa obviously feels as though he has full-backs and midfielders who can slot in and play a role there if needed, but surely it wouldn’t hurt to have just one more centre-back on board. Pennington isn’t the answer though. The Everton player is obviously keen to return to Elland Road because he will probably not play at all in the Premier League this season and also wants to prove himself to the Leeds fans, who were left unimpressed by him last season. The 23-year-old made 24 appearances in all competitions for the Yorkshire giants, mainly due to the fact that Pontus Jansson and Cooper picked up so many injuries and suspensions. Bielsa should hope that they are able to play more often this season though with him not in the hunt for another centre-back.