£12m man is the perfect summer signing for Leeds, covers two much-needed areas

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Leeds United have tabled an offer for Chelsea star Ethan Ampadu with the Blues requesting a fee of £12m – and he would be the perfect summer signing, because he can cover two crucial areas that are in need of strengthening.

Ampadu, 22, has returned to Chelsea this summer after a fourth successive season-long loan spell away from the West London side. He spent the last 12 months with Spezia, after loans with Venezia, Sheffield United and Leipzig.

Now, a permanent exit is on the cards. That is because the 43-time Wales ace has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge. The Evening Standard say Leeds have tabled an offer for the versatile Wales player.

The offer from Leeds is the only one on the table, as things stand. But, Ampadu does have interest from clubs in Italy, Spain and the Premier League. Udinese are named as one of those. Leeds are leading the race for Ampadu.

So, Chelsea and Ampadu have a decision to make. It is unclear if our offer matches their valuation. But what is clear, is that Ampadu would be a wonderful signing – not least, because we need players in the positions he can play in.

Leeds table Ampadu offer: Perfect signing, can cover two crucial areas

Ampadu has the defensive nous, the speed and the aerial ability of a defender – but the technicality and stamina of a midfielder. He can play as a centre-back, right-back, or in the middle of the park and that is just what Leeds need.

The Whites are lacking on the right side of central defence after waving goodbye to Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente. Only Charlie Cresswell is left, after returning from a year’s loan at Millwall in the Championship.

Then, in midfield, Marc Roca has joined Adam Forshaw and Weston McKennie in leaving. There is a belief that Tyler Adams will remain. But behind Adams, youngsters Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray are options. Leeds need depth.

Ampadu offers cover in both central defence on the right, and in midfield. He, of course, is not just another body – he would be, arguably, one of our best players. But crucially, Ampadu can play in two positions we need the most.