Leeds United have entered the race for Joe Rodon as Marcelo Bielsa remains keen on addressing injury issues in the transfer market.
According to The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon has a new suitor in Leeds United as the Welsh star gets ready for an exit in January.
Leeds United have been exposed to bare bones when it comes to squad depth. The Yorkshire side have had huge problems with injuries and had to play a depleted squad in their last league game against Arsenal. Marcelo Bielsa and the club hierarchy are keen to address those issues in next month’s transfer window by signing players.
The key area Bielsa wants to strengthen is midfield and central defence, with the manager facing uncertainty with players in those positions. Key star Kalvin Phillips is effectively ruled out until February after needing surgery to correct a hamstring problem, while Liam Cooper remains sidelined with a similar issue.
While they have been linked with several midfield players in recent weeks, recruitment in central defence is also considered equally important. Tottenham’s Joe Rodon is now being linked with a move to Elland Road, although the Welshman is attracting interest from other Premier League sides.
The Spurs star is keen on leaving after being reduced to a bit-part player this term. A majority of his appearances came in the UEFA Europa Conference League. With the club out of Europe’s third-tier competition, the north London side are only open to letting him leave on a temporary move, meaning a loan move until the end of the season could be on the cards.
Newcastle United are keen to broker such a deal with Spurs. The Magpies, who are in the thick of a relegation battle, are linked with many Premier League defenders, such as James Tarkowski, who might not be allowed to leave by Burnley. The Clarets are also contenders for the danger zone and remain wary of strengthening a direct rival.
The Magpies are keen to bring in quality stars to help their cause and are believed to be in the lead for the signing of Rodon. But they now have Leeds United as rivals in the race for his signing. Bielsa could approve a move for the Spurs star on a temporary move if it helps him get a player keen to start playing right away.
Tottenham do not want to lose Rodon cheaply in the upcoming window as they still consider him a player for the long term. With a contract until 2025 at the north London side, the ball is firmly in Tottenham’s court when it comes to deciding the Welsh defender’s future.
As for Rodon, the ideal new club would be where he gets meaningful game-time. While both Newcastle United and Leeds could offer him that, the Magpies are expected to be a team defending with their backs to goal, while Leeds are more adventurous, which could become the telling factor in his final decision.
