Three centre-backs Leeds should look at instead of Nat Phillips; 20-year-old, PL man Farke knows

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United are in the market for a new right-sided centre-back this summer.

The Whites have lost both Diego Llorente and Robin Koch to Roma and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively, leaving just Charlie Cresswell as an out-and-out option in that position.

One player who has been linked with filling that void is Liverpool’s Nat Phillips, with Phil Hay confirming him as a target earlier in the window.

However, since then there hasn’t been much movement regarding Phillips with the Premier League side setting a valuation of £10 million, which is certainly on the excessive side.

So, with that in mind, here is a look at three alternatives Leeds should look at.

Nathan Wood – Swansea

Nathan Wood is one of the best young centre-backs in the division and his style of play would suit Daniel Farke’s system down to the ground.

Leeds will need defenders who are comfortable on the ball for Farke’s tactics to succeed and Wood certainly fits that bill, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur having been linked in the last 12 months.

Wood is also extremely quick, which is an attribute none of Leeds’ centre-backs currently possess, and with just 12 months left on his deal, he could be available for a decent fee.

Ronnie Edwards – Peterborough

Another highly promising young centre-back Leeds could target is Peterborough United’s Ronnie Edwards, who was extremely impressive in League One last season.

Like Wood, Edwards is very composed in possession but is also an accomplished defender, with Premier League clubs already casting an eye on the 20-year-old.

Perhaps the only thing that could work against Edwards is his height. At 5’11, Edwards is small for a centre-back and so that raises question marks over whether he and Max Wober could work as a partnership.

Ben Godfrey – Everton

Perhaps a more ambitious shout is Everton’s Ben Godfrey, who is still very much in and around the first team reckoning at Goodison Park.

However, due to a combination of injuries and being played in numerous positions across the back four, Godfrey has lost his way a bit, though there is still no doubting his quality.

Godfrey has already worked under Farke at Norwich City and is a Yorkshire boy. An initial loan deal with the potential of purchasing permanently in the future could be a good deal for all parties.