Fabian Delph (Getty Images)
According to Daily Star, Leeds United are plotting a move for Everton and England ace Fabian Delph ahead of the next season.
Delph, 30, started his career by coming through the ranks of Leeds’ youth system. After making 44 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit, he was signed by Aston Villa and thereafter went on to play for Manchester City. He won two English titles and one FA Cup with the Cityzens and moved to Everton last summer.
At Goodison Park, his chances have been limited to just 16 appearances and he doesn’t seem to have a future with the Toffees. However, Delph has immense experience in the top-flight and hence, Leeds should look to bring him back this summer.
Marcelo Bielsa has managed to take his side into the top-flight after a wonderful campaign in the second-tier. He was able to get the best out of his squad despite having limited options but they need to bring in reinforcements for the new season.
Adding new faces to the squad could help them survive in the top-flight and they also need to build a strong team before stepping into the Premier League. Most of their have players have been on loan and recruiting players on a permanent basis should be their priority.
Currently, the Whites have only one established player to operate in a defensive midfield role. The 24-year-old Kalvin Phillips has been instrumental in Leeds’ title-winning campaign and has rendered his best services for the club so far.
Ouasim Buoy and Conor Shaughnessy are the other two defensive midfielders in the squad. Buoy hasn’t featured for Leeds so far while Shaughnessy has made much use of his loan spell. Moreover, both of them have just one more year left on their contracts with the club and given their performances, they seem to have no place in the squad. Thus, a defensive midfielder is a must.
To that end, signing Delph seems to be sensible. The English international has won a few trophies at the highest level and has already made over 300 career appearances. His experience could come in handy for the Whites next season. And he could provide Leeds with some much-needed depth in the midfield.
At 30, he still has a few more years to play in the top-flight and the lack of game time at Goodison Park should prompt Leeds to make a prompt move for the former Manchester City man. He could be a crucial player for them next season if he is able to do well.