Leeds United have been linked with many a player this transfer window, some have arrived and others stay merely as links. However, recent comments by Adam Pope of BBC Radio Leeds may hold some hope for Whites fans.
One of the players that United have been linked with is Bristol City centre-half Aden Flint. Along with the links to Alvaro Negredo and Filip Helander, it is one of those player links/transfer rumours that refuses to go away.
With Leeds fans bemoaning the lack of a definitive centre-back partner for Pontus Jansson, apart from the promising Everton loanee Matthew Pennington, there is an agreed sentiment that someone needs to be brought in. Aden Flint would, of course, be a suitable target for the Whites to chase down – this being due to his pedigree and consistency shown across his career so far.
Aerial presence is one thing that Aden Flint has in spades, especially standing at 6ft 5.5in. This would give Leeds somewhat of a dominant presence at the back, as well as a threat at set pieces.
Added to this, Flint has goals in him. He has notched 32 goals in league competition: two in 32 League Two appearances, 19 in 112 League One appearances and 11 in 90 Championship appearances. He scored 14 in the 2014/15 League One campaign – including a hat-trick and netted five times last season for Bristol City.
Obviously there are other sides supposedly ‘interested’ in Flint, Birmingham City being the most highly linked side scrapping for Flint’s signature alongside Leeds. However, on his personal Twitter feed, Adam Pope might just give Leeds fans a small sense of hope in any pursuit the club may be engaged in.
Aden Flint latest over the weekend is that Birmingham are interested at right price but won't pay over the odds.
— Adam Pope (@apopey) July 31, 2017
Of course, the same rationale applies to Leeds United when it comes to pursuing the capture of Aden Flint as their centre-back of choice – value for money. With Birmingham not wanting to pay “over the odds”, neither will Leeds United want to – nor be dragged in to a bidding war/auction.
The next thing that may perk up the mood of Leeds fans, that any hidden interest the club may have could be successful, is the outlook of Bristol City manager Lee Johnson. Johnson’s options at the back have been strengthened by the capture of Nathan Baker from Aston Villa. However, despite Flint being under contract, Johnson’s stance on his centre-back is very clear.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson says Flint on 3 yr deal but don't want to keep players who may want to leave.
— Adam Pope (@apopey) July 31, 2017
There have been no bids for Flint from either Leeds United, or any other club for that matter. Therefore the situation remains as before; Leeds United are keeping their ‘target cards’ close to their chest and there is only speculation coming from certain quarters. However, Adam Pope’s tweets do enlighten the situation a little, especially the second one.
