Michael Ross has helped Coventry City lift the League One title (Getty Images)
Leeds Live suggests that Coventry City defender Michael Rose has been linked with a move to Leeds United ahead of the transfer window.
Rose, 24, rose through the ranks of Lewis United Boys Club’s youth system and joined Aberdeen’s U17 side. In the summer of 2016, he joined Ayr United and was a key member of the squad for three years. In his time at Somerset Park, he made 106 appearances before moving to Coventry City last summer.
He immediately integrated himself into Mark Robins’ squad and led them to the League One title in his debut season St Andrews’ Stadium. And his impressive performances have caught the attention of Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, as per the report.
The Whites, meanwhile, have done a brilliant job under the management of Marcelo Bielsa this term.Leeds are on the verge of automatic qualification to the Premier League. Both the attacking and the defensive unites have put in their best performances despite most of the players on loan.
However, they need to make changes to their squad if they have to sustain and prolong in the Premier League. The manager should bring in reinforcements to build a team that is capable of performing at the highest level.
One area where the manager should focus on strengthening is the backline. Ben White, Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi are the only three centre-backs available at Bielsa’s disposal. However, White is on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion and future with Leeds remains uncertain.
Moreover, Berardi’s contract with the club also comes to an end this summer. And if he leaves, the Whites’ central defence would be left with just Cooper in their ranks. Thus, a centre-back is a must in the summer.
In that regard, signing Rose would a suitable option for the club. The Scotsman has been in terrific form this season, making 31 league appearances and leading from the back.
He helped his side keep 15 clean sheets in 34 games while conceding just 30 goals as the Sky Blues boast of the best defensive record in England’s third tier.
Rose would be a valuable addition to the squad in terms of adding depth and quality to the centre-back department. In addition, if he is able to replicate the same form, he can grow into the leader at the heart of Leeds’ defence in the future.
Leeds are in dire need of centre-backs as the departures of White and Berardi would leave the squad to bare bones. And given Rose’s current form, he would be a useful addition to Bielsa’s squad. His inclusion would provide them with much-needed depth. Thus, the Whites should lure the Scotsman to Elland Road this summer.
