Leeds United urged to prioritise Joe Rodon signing from Tottenham amid latest transfer links
Leeds United must make signing Tottenham loanee Joe Rodon on a permanent deal a “priority” in the summer, according to Paul Robinson.
The 26-year-old has impressed in the heart of Leeds’ defence during his season on loan at Elland Road from Premier League side Tottenham.
United have been linked with Koni De Winter, who earned his first cap for Belgium last month, but Robinson insists Rodon would be a better option.
“If promotion is achieved then target number one has to be Joe Rodon,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“Yes, Leeds have been linked with other players – and De Winter is good, someone who has played a lot of football in Serie A – but what the manager has there in Rodon and Ethan Ampadu, with Pascal Struijk getting fit again, is three very good options.
“For me, the priority at centre-half is securing the permanent signature of Joe Rodon. Then, if and when [Farke] feels the need to strengthen – which he probably does in that area – De Winter would be a good addition.
“But he is not one who necessarily comes in and starts given the way Ampadu and Rodon have performed this season – they have been outstanding.”
Do Leeds United have an option to buy Joe Rodon?
The recent links with Belgian defender De Winter, via Give Me Sport [28 March], came out of the blue.
Leeds have looked very strong at the back, particularly since around the turn of the year when Ampadu first paired up with Rodon in the heart of defence.
That said, it must be remembered Rodon is only at Elland Road on loan – with no option of a permanent deal at the end of it – and Tottenham will no doubt have been keeping a close eye on his performances.
If a deal is there to be struck with Spurs for the Wales international, it clearly makes sense to go for it. That will only be possible if Leeds are promoted, though, as Rodon is good enough for the top flight.
The question then is if Farke would be interested in signing another centre-back, and De Winter – on loan at Genoa from Juventus – certainly seems to tick plenty of boxes.
Before Leeds can truly start thinking about possible summer targets, though, they must first achieve their aim of earning promotion back to the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have been told that a move for Celtic player Matt O’Riley could be possible in the summer.
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