Bargain 5G/10A defender would have huge impact on these two Leeds United players – View

SWANSEA, WALES – JANUARY 02: Nathan Tella of Burnley is challenged by Ryan Manning of Swansea City during the Sky Bet Championship between Swansea City and Burnley at Liberty Stadium on January 02, 2023 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Leeds United have been linked with a free transfer swoop for Swansea City full-back Ryan Manning, who is out of contract in the summer.

The Whites have one more game today in their Premier League season where the writing seems to be on the wall for relegation to the Championship.

Transfer plans might already be starting to formulate at Elland Road this week, though, with Football League World claiming that Leeds are keeping tabs on Swansea’s Ryan Manning, who is leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract.

Such a left-back signing is needed at Leeds, with how the defence has struggled in the last two seasons, and it would have a major impact on the side going forward.

Here, we look at one winner and one loser at Leeds if they do pursue the signing of Manning on a free…

Table of Contents

Winner: Leo Hjelde

The assumption is that relegation would see Junior Firpo leave the club, and not many would be that bothered about seeing that happen.

Waiting in the wings for his opportunity on the left side of defence is Leo Hjelde, who enjoyed a brilliant loan spell with Rotherham United this season, playing largely as a left-back.

If Manning does join, it won’t hamper the Norwegian’s development as a first-team player at Leeds, but instead give him the quality of first-team competition that he needs.

Hjelde might be looking for a spot as a centre-back next season, and with Manning coming up as a left-back, it would be a formidable left-sided duo.

Would Manning be a good signing?

Loser: Liam Cooper

This talk of Leeds signing a left-back does mean that Leeds are going to be making big changes to the defence in the summer.

While Liam Cooper should still be a core part of the side if relegated, the promotion of Hjelde to the first-team and Manning arriving does mean that the skipper might have less of a role.

He’s someone who should be leading us to promotion as the club captain, but the time to transition away from relying on the 19/20 heroes has come.

A lot hinges on whether Leeds can hang onto Max Wöber too, because he instantly looks like one of the best defensive options in the EFL if he stays in West Yorkshire.