OPINION
While the transfer window might have shut for another summer, English League sides are still able to make temporary moves for new recruits until the end of August – and Leeds United must take full advantage.
Marcelo Bielsa saw a handful of new and exciting faces through the door, including former Middlesbrough striker Patrick Bamford and ex-Wolves assist king Barry Douglas, but the squad is still looking a little thin to make a serious push for a possible top six finish come the end of the campaign.
One area which looks particularly weak is the defence, and having a new face or two to battle with Liam Cooper and co at centre back, as well as Luka Ayling and Gaetano Berardi at right back, would not go amiss.
Step forward Arsenal’s England international Cark Jenkinson.
The versatile defender, who has proven an ability to play anywhere across the back four, looks destined for the exit door in north London, with Sky Sports quoting manager Unai Emery as stating that the 26-year-old is one of a trio who could depart before the end of August.
BREAKING: @Arsenal head coach Unai Emery says David Ospina, Joel Campbell and Carl Jenkinson could all leave the club by the end of the month. #SSN pic.twitter.com/mZ4lBNHbg3
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 10, 2018
This is a move Leeds cannot afford to miss out on, and he would bring a quality and experience that would push the club on to greater things this season.
With one cap for the Three Lions under his belt, Jenkinson dropped into the Championship with Birmingham City last season, but the Whites should offer a much more appealing opportunity than the Blues did.
With 90 Premier League games to his name, the former West Ham loanee deserves to be playing for an ambitious side, and in the Championship, there are few others than Leeds who can offer him exactly that.
It is an absolute must, and Bielsa’s men can be pushing for promotion with his arrival.