Jhon Chancellor performed well for Brescia last season (Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport (h/t Sussex Live), Leeds United are interested in signing Brescia star Jhon Chancellor ahead of the new season.
The report suggests that the Italian outfit are willing to sell him for €5m but the Whites could face competition as Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion are also interested in securing the Venezuelan’s services. However, it is claimed that no bids have been made so far.
Born in Venezuela, Chancellor came through the ranks of Mineros de Guayana and played for clubs in his country and Ecuador before joining Russian outfit Anzhi in January 2018. However, a year later, he was signed by Qatari side Al Ahli on a free transfer.
He made just 6 appearances for the Middle East club before Brescia signed him last summer. He became a regular member of the squad but couldn’t help from getting relegated at the end of the last season. Despite the club’s poor campaign, Chancellor performed at his best but could be on the move this summer.
The Whites have been one of the busiest teams in the transfer window and have made some terrific signings. German international Robin Koch was signed as a cover for Ben Whites, who returned to Brighton after his loan spell ended. And it is evident that the former Freiburg man would partner skipper Liam Cooper in the heart of the defence.
However, apart from them, only two young centre-backs are available at Marcelo Bielsa’s disposal. Pascal Struijk and Oliver Casey are inexperienced, having been just promoted from the youth set up. Thus, Leeds should consider bringing in a central defender as cover for Koch and Cooper.
In that regard, making a move for Chancellor seems to be sensible. The Venezuelan featured in 27 games across all competitions last season and did his best. He could be a crucial addition to Bielsa’s squad, especially with games coming thick and fast next season.
His inclusion would definitely add depth to their defensive unit and he could be used as a cover for their main defenders.
At 28, Chancellor could be a long-term solution for the Whites, who lack enough defensive options. He could provide them with some much-needed depth and quality at the back for a few years. Thus, Leeds should manage to lure the Venezuelan to Elland Road this summer as he would be a cheaper option.
