Leeds United should now make move for PL defender who has been told he can leave this month – opinion

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Leeds United look set to be in the market for a new centre-back this month.

Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon have very much established themselves as Daniel Farke’s first choice partnership, but with both Charlie Cresswell and Liam Cooper’s future uncertain, there could be movement.

Cresswell has been heavily linked with a move elsewhere and it is looking increasingly likely after Daniel Farke’s comments yesterday, while Phil Hay has reported that Cooper is not expected to have his contract renewed, which expires in the summer.

Leeds are said to be interested in a move for Hammarby’s Nathaniel Adjei, and are set to hold a meeting with the Swedish side this week.

However, they are set to face stiff competition for his signature and they could therefore be better off moving for a young Premier League centre-back who has been told he can leave this month.

Leeds should move for Forest’s Omabamidele

That man should be Nottingham Forest’s Andrew Omabamidele. According to journalist Tom Collomosse, the 21-year-old is among those who may depart the City Ground before the end of the window.

New manager Nuno Espirito Santo is reportedly keen on working with smaller squads. At the moment, Forest are the complete opposite given how many signings they have made in the last 18 months.

Omabamidele was one of 14 players brought in, in the summer, but his only two appearances for the club so far came in the EFL Cup earlier in the season. He has made the bench just twice in the Premier League.

The Republic of Ireland international is one of seven first team centre-backs at Forest and is clearly near the bottom of the pecking order, but he still remains a top young talent.

He made 55 appearances for Norwich City before making the move to Forest, with some of those even having come in the Premier League. He has also worked under Farke before.

Should Cresswell depart, Omabamidele would represent a significant upgrade. It would also significantly alleviate the pressure on Rodon’s shoulders to stay fit. No brainer.