By Dave Woods

4th Jul, 2019 | 11:12am

Leeds have 'long-term interest' in Happe

Leeds have been credited with a “long-term” interest in Leyton Orient defender Dan Happe, according to the Dail Mail. 

The report claims that he is one of the “hottest prospects” outside of the top-flight, with Premier League sides Leicester and Norwich keen to land him.

Leyton Orient want to keep him but are resigned to selling the 20-year-old if they can loan him back for the next season.

Who is he?

A 20-year-old centre-back who’s come up through the youth ranks at Leyton Orient and has made two League Two appearances for the club, along with 46 in the National League. He was part of the side that topped the table last season, gaining promotion back into League Two. It’s an important season for Leyton Orient and that’s why they want to keep hold of their best players.

Any good?

The Mail report compares him to Harry Maguire and he comes in a little taller than the England international at 6’5″. Maguire is just a touch shorter than that. He’s a physical presence in the box and great with his head, making a total of 6.84 aerial duels per 90 minutes, winning 62.1% of these. He makes 6.86 defensive duels per 90, winning just 34.4% of those. Happ makes 5.88 interceptions and 3.76 clearances per 90 minutes. Compare this to Aapo Halme, the 6’5″ Leeds centre-back who has just moved to Barnsley on a permanent deal. Halme makes 6.88 aerial duels per 90, winning 64.7% of these. Halme makes 8.83 defensive duels, winning just 29% of those. Halme makes 5.93 interceptions and 3.91 clearances per 90 minutes. Pretty similar, right? For that reason, it just doesn’t seem to stack up.