Leeds United are on the verge of signing Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood on a free transfer, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claim in their Tuesday edition (page 53) that the 34-year-old is heading to Elland Road in the January window after losing his regular starting place at Hillsborough.
The Mirror report Leeds are set to wrap up a deal for Westwood as they look to bring in an experienced keeper after loanee Jamal Blackman suffered a broken leg last month.
Good move for Leeds?
Westwood is an experienced keeper with a track record that demands respect. He has 21 full Republic of Ireland caps and extensive experience in the Championship, mainly at Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry. Moreover, he’s twice won the player of the year award at Wednesday, where he has been one of the best keepers in the division for the last four years. Leeds certainly need a proven operator to compete with Bailey Peacock-Farrell – a big talent but with much to learn – for the number one spot. Westwood would fulfil that need, although there must be question marks over his ability to slot into the side as he is yet to make a senior appearance this season.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
If the Mirror’s report is anything to go by, an agreement is in place and the deal is all but done for Westwood to make the short journey from Sheffield to Leeds. Certainly the keeper is available and like to leave Hillsborough as he is out contract at the end of the season and has found himself frozen out since the arrival of Jos Luhukay as manager. There is now a good chance of Westwood filling the hole at Elland Road for an experienced new keeper.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10