Leeds United face another rebuild this summer after losing Garry Monk to Middlesbrough but new manager Thomas Christiannsen is ready to strengthen the Peacocks’ ranks by securing a Premier League defender.
ESPN sources indicate Leeds are pursuing the signature of Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, with the Yorkshire outfit exploring the possibility of a deal either on-loan or on a permanent basis.
The 20-year-old endured a disappointing time on-loan with Wolves in the first-half of last season, before returning in January to feature for Manchester United’s U23 side, but his future in Jose Mourinho’s side remains under speculation.
Despite having three-years to run on his current deal, having penned a new contract last year, Borthwick-Jackson could become the latest Manchester United starlet to fail to break into the side and leave- following in the footsteps of Michael Keane, Paul Pogba and others.
Can a deal be done?
At this stage it’s difficult to speculate what Manchester United’s stance on a deal would be and it’s more likely that a loan deal would be agreed initially, potentially with Leeds being given the opportunity to complete a permanent deal later down the line.
After making his breakthrough under Louis Van Gaal, earning 14 first-team appearances under the Dutchman’s tenure, Borthwick-Jackson struggled to impress Jose Mourinho and now faces further competition for places following the capture of Victor Lindelof from Manchester United.
With 22-year-old Lindelof set to partner 23-year-old Ivorian defender Eric Bailly in the centre of defence, Manchester United’s central-defensive pairing looks secure for the next few years- which may mean Borthwick-Jackson needs to leave.