Leeds should now make move for England international who Frank Lampard really rates – opinion

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Leeds United are going to need to add some experience to their squad over the summer.

The Whites have a number of budding young talents ready for senior action after relegation to the Championship, but must ensure they get the balance right if they want to push for promotion.

The likes of Darko Gyabi, Charlie Cresswell, Joe Gelhardt, Cody Drameh, Leo Hjelde and many others will all fancy their chances of becoming a regular in Leeds’ first team.

While on paper that looks incredibly exciting, it is difficult to be successful – particularly in a division as intense as the Championship – with a team solely made up of youngsters.

As such, it is paramount they bring in one or two players with know-how and experience, and one man they should look to consider is Conor Coady.

Leeds should make Coady move

Coady was deemed surplus to requirements at Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer and was therefore sent out on loan to Everton, where he became a ‘hugely important’ part of the team under Frank Lampard.

However, Everton have opted against triggering their £4.5 million permanent option to buy Coady, and so he will return to Wolves where he faces an uncertain future.

With Robin Koch and Diego Llorente likely to depart, Leeds will need to enter the market for a new right-footed centre back.

The aforementioned Cresswell is already on the books, but a more experienced option – who may not play every week – would be excellent for his development.

Coady is a clear leader both on and off the pitch, which aside from Liam Cooper, is something Leeds are desperately short of in the squad.

He is capable of playing both in a back three or as part of a two and given it is unclear who Leeds’ manager will be next season, if any signings are made before one is appointed, versatility is an important attribute to be targeting.

Providing he is once again available for anything in the region of the £4.5 million Everton have opted against paying, Leeds should be all over it, as long as he is willing to drop back into the Championship.