Leeds set for major transfer overhaul in one area over summer after Heckingbottom admission

Thu 8 March 2018 15:47, UK

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Leeds United’s defence look set for a major overhaul during the summer transfer window after Paul Heckingbottom’s admission that he does not have the players available to play his type of football.

The Whites suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night, with the league leaders taking full advantage of some frailties at the back to net twice from corners and a third from a long ball forward, Benik Afobe neatly chipping the ball in from long range.

Heckingbottom was forced into change at the back early on after Liam Cooper limped off with what looked a nasty knee injury, but it seems likely there will be more permanent alterations made to the squad come the end of the season.

The former Barnsley boss admitted that he has sacrificed utilising a man-marking system from set plays in favour of the zonal tactic already in play due to a lack of “strong” players, which he addressed as an imbalance in the squad.

After this revelation, it can only be expected that there are some new recruits who better fit the manager’s ideals, so he can in turn implement the style of football he wants to see at Elland Road.

If Leeds can keep a hold of him, Pontus Jansson seems like he will be safe of the axe, but apart from the Swedish international every other defender at the club will likely have their price, even January arrival Laurens De Bock, who has failed to impress and has dropped out of the starting XI.

A move for Everton loanee Matthew Pennington is one possibility, although he was shown up by Wolves along with the rest of the back four after replacing Cooper, and Heckingbottom may look for more quality to push up the table.