OPINION
Nottingham Forest centre-back Yohan Benaloune could be just the man that Leeds United need in the summer transfer window if Marcelo Bielsa wants to add some much-needed depth to his defence.
Benalouane, 32, has been in decent form since joining Forest from Leicester in January, but he will be in the final year of his contract once this season ends and according to Guardian journalist Ed Aarons, Leeds have the Tunisia international in their sights.
He claimed via his personal Twitter account in March that the Whites have “some interest” in the 6ft 1 (transfermarkt) defender, while Cardiff are also eyeing him up.
Some interest in Tunisia defender Yohan Benalouane from Leeds and Cardiff. Former Leicester player's contract expires next summer
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) March 22, 2019
Benalouane has proven himself to be more than capable in the Championship and if Leeds fail to win themselves promotion to the Premier League, Bielsa is going to need to bolster his centre-back options after being left exposed at times this season.
Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper are the only real senior centre-back options at Elland Road, and both have them have had their issues with injuries and suspensions in the last year.
Midfielder Kalvin Phillips and right-back Gaetano Berardi have both had to provide cover when either Jansson or Cooper are out, and that has led to Leeds conceding more goals then they would have if they have a proper centre-back playing.
Benalouance is not an improvement on Jansson and Cooper, but he would be an excellent back-up option, and potentially a very cheap one if Forest want to avoid losing him for nothing in the summer of 2020.
Leeds could definitely sign worse centre-backs than the Tunisian ace, who has played through injury in some games this season despite suffering from a broken bone in his skull.
It’s that warrior-like spirit that the Whites could do with adding to their defence and it is no surprise to see that the Yorkshire giants are already reportedly keeping tabs on the Nottingham Forest star.