Thomas Christiansen must reignite reported interest in Montpellier defender William Remy in the January transfer window in order to solve his lack of options in Leeds’ defence.
French outlet L’Equipe claim Remy was on the Whites’ radar in the final hours of Thursday’s deadline day, but a move failed to materialize for the Frenchman.
It is said that Christiansen’s side made an enquiry for the France Under-19 international, with multiple English clubs interested including Championship rival QPR.
Leeds boss desperately needs another centre-back, with Everton loanee Matthew Pennington still sideline with an ankle injury that he sustained in the first match of the season against Bolton which ended in a 3-2 win.
Irish youngster Conor Shaughnessy is still unproven at first-team level, conceding a penalty in his debut against Bolton and proven quality is required if they are to gain promotion.
With Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson both spending time on the sidelines last season due to injury and suspension, cover is needed and Remy would have been the perfect addition.
Boasting plenty of speed at the back, Remy also possesses an abundance of strength and would be a perfect fit for the type of centre-back that can thrive in England’s second division.
The Whites brought in a huge 16 players this summer including permanent deals for Pontus Jansson and Hadi Sacko, with the likes of Samu Saiz, Ezgjan Alioski and Pawel Cibicki all costing the club excessive transfer fees.
With little left in transfer budget for Christiansen, bringing in players on loan or on the cheap is likely to be the order of the day.
As soon as the January transfer window opens, Remy can be signed on a pre-contract agreement for free under the Bosman ruling as he enters the final six months of his contract at Montpellier.
Although he will join in June if signed in such an agreement, Remy offers Leeds the cover and quality needed to bolster their defence.