Leeds United’s goalkeeper hunt has been going on for some time now, being linked with January moves for many different goalkeepers. One link that seemed to be picking up speed was for Sheffield Wednesday ‘keeper Keiren Westwood.
Reports across the country have been reporting that Leeds United are close to agreeing as deal for Sheffield Wednesday ‘keeper Keiren Westwood. However, Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post tweeted on Tuesday morning that it seems the deal will not go ahead.
Hay posted on Twitter:
people I’ve spoken to this morning seem to be ruling that one out.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) December 11, 2018
With Leeds United in the middle of a goalkeeper crisis, it is widely believed that Marcelo Bielsa is keen to bring in another man between the sticks, with Victor Orta building a shortlist of names.
With Cameron Dawson and Joe Wildsmith ahead of him under Jos Luhukay at Wednesday, the experienced Westwood will be looking for a route out of Hillsbrough after four years. The Irishman is regarded as one of the best ‘keepers in the Championship, despite being third choice at Wednesday.
In four years, Westwood has made 144 appearances for The Owls, keeping 52 clean sheets along the way. Alongside an impressive Championship career, Westwood has also represented the Republic of Ireland regularly. The 34-year-old made the number one shirt his upon the retirement of Irish legend Shay Given. Westwood went on to play 21 times for his national team.
If what Hay is reporting is a true reflection of the story, it is safe to say it is bad news for United fans. Westwood would be available on the cheap with him out of favour at Sheffield Wednesday, and he would be valuable role model for The Whites’ young keepers – including number one Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
