OPINION
There is little doubting that Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa will still be left sweating about his lack of goalkeeping options at Elland Road – which is why he should be looking north of the border to Celtic.
The Whites only have first choice Bailey Peacock-Farrell as a shot stopper with any meaningful first team experience and injury – which has already struck once this season – would currently see Will Huffer take his place between the sticks.
A new recruit in January seems almost a certainty but finding the right man – someone who is either available on loan or up for a cut price deal, has a proven record and experience and is willing to move to the Championship – is no easy task.
However, there is a man at Celtic who has been forgotten by most at Parkhead due to his severe lack of playing time, something which would work in the favour of Leeds quite significantly.
That man is goalkeeping giant Dorus de Vries, who has not made a single appearance for the Hoops this season after finding himself behind Craig Gordon and Scott Bain in the pecking order.
At 38-years-old, he is in the twilight of his career but with nearly 195 Championship appearances under his belt, his experience would be an enormous asset to have in helping Peacock-Farrell, Huffer and Kamil Miazek develop between the sticks.
Not only is the 6’3″ (source: Transfermarkt) vastly experienced, he is also out of contract at the end of the season, making a loan or even a short term deal well within Leeds’ means.
He would cost almost nothing to bring to Elland Road and when money is tight at the Whites, every penny saved can go towards improving the side in other areas.
De Vries might not be a long term solution but Leeds would be playing a blinder by sealing his bargain capture, for he ticks every single box the Argentine boss could want this month.