Leeds United have been linked with a move for Everton defender Matthew Pennington. The centre back spent last season on loan at Elland Road, but failed to make an impression.
The Liverpool Echo is reporting that Pennington is being chased by both Leeds United and Wigan as Marcelo Bielsa and Paul Cook look to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season.
The 23 year old had spent time on loan at Coventry City, Tranmere, and Walsall before joining the Whites last season.
He made just 24 appearances under both Thomas Christensen and Paul Heckingbottom, but looks to be on his way back for another season in Yorkshire.
Leeds have already flexed their financial muscles in the transfer market with the acquisition of Patrick Bamford from Middlesbrough.
It is believed that the deal could rise to £10m, so Bielsa will be hoping his new number nine can hit the ground running.
As well as Bamford, Leeds have also secured the loan signings of Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker and Manchester City winger Jack Harrison.
Pennington has spent the majority of pre-season with the Everton first team under the watchful eye of new Toffees boss Marco Silva.
He has just signed a new three year deal at Goodison Park, but looks set to depart on loan this summer.
The defender struggled to nail down a starting spot at the club last season and failed to find top form whilst in the team.
However, Leeds wat Pennington back for a second spell, but not all fans agree with the decision…
Pennington would be a surprise loan for me, didn’t have a good season with us and would need to improve massively if he was to return #lufc
— DavidK (@DavidKershaw7) July 31, 2018
Is there ANY news on potential CB’s. Just so I can holiday in hope more than expectation ??……but not Pennington!#Lufc
— Philip Grunewald (@pipgrun247) July 31, 2018
Not Matthew Pennington. God please no. #lufc
— LUKE DARESCHANI XXX (@DareschaniXxx) July 31, 2018
All these signings including Bamford tomorrow have been spot on. Throw Matthew Pennington into the mix and it turns the whole situation sour. The guy kicks the ball like the last pick on a playground. #lufc
— Jonny (@Jonny_Durnan_88) July 30, 2018
Been impressed to a degree with Leeds’ business. Still a few slots to fill notably ST and CB but if we get Pennington it’s a massive step back for me #lufc
— Mr Positive (@Russlufc) July 30, 2018
#lufc hope the money from Viera is spent on a quality CB, dont think Cooper is good enough and i don’t think pennington is the answer either
— Hagar the Horrible (@Hagar62lufc) July 30, 2018
Do not want Pennington back @LUFC he struggled @EFL championship level we can get better than him
— M1@LUFC❤️ (@w_lufc84) July 30, 2018
I think Matthew Pennington is quite good and we have to remember the factor of his age, he had some good spells for Leeds like the villa game for instance #lufc
— NathLUFC (@NathLUFC16) July 30, 2018
Sorry, Pennington? What’s this fresh hell? #lufc
— CK (@ephemeraljoy) July 30, 2018
Pennington being laughed at by Everton fans in Pre Season, don’t do it #LUFC, makes zero sense.
— RamblingsoftheSS (@_ROTSS_) July 30, 2018
