Leeds tipped to sign veteran defender after source's Llorente reveal

Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped Leeds United to sign a veteran centre-back in the January transfer window.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker delivered his verdict after Diego Llorente picked up yet another hamstring injury.

The defender was substituted just 33 minutes into Leeds' 3-0 loss to Liverpool at the weekend.

A source told Football Insider yesterday (13 September) the Whites will be "embarrassed" after he picked up his third hamstring injury since moving from Real Sociedad last summer.

Llorente has featured just 18 times for Leeds since completing his £18million switch in September 2020.

Asked whether his injury record was now a serious worry for the Yorkshire giants, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: "100 per cent.

"Pascal Struijk's may have a suspension now, Llorente's injured. Robin Koch's injured. They've only got Liam Cooper so they're struggling in that department.

"When somebody keeps getting injured like Llorente, you know what 'We've got to get more cover in here because it keeps happening'.

"Muscle injuries, as well, when you get them they keep coming. I know plenty of defenders that have had injuries like that before. Ron Vlaar at Aston Villa was similar.

"It's definitely something Leeds will have to look at in the January transfer window. Maybe bring in an experienced defender, an older one who can fill in for the odd two or three games. I can see it happening.

"It's just one of those things. How many players have we seen retire early? Or have injury-hit careers. It's just your body letting you down."

In other news, a player has agreed to join Watford after quitting Leeds United.