Leeds United are in the market for a new right-sided defender this summer and have now made an enquiry to sign one from Chelsea on loan ahead of the window.
The right side of the defence has emerged as a priority once again this summer with Connor Roberts returning to Burnley after a loan spell at Elland Road, and he could now play against Leeds next season.
Joe Rodon has also departed and while Leeds are obviously keen to bring the Welshman back to Elland Road, Premier League clubs want to do a deal with Tottenham with a fee of £10m required to sign Rodon.
Luke Ayling has left permanently, while Jamie Shackleton is scheduled to do so at the end of the month. Sam Byram remains, but Leeds need a new right-back and a replacement for Rodon for next season.
One player that Leeds have been continually linked with since the end of the season is Chelsea right-back Alfie Gilchrist, who clocked up 17 senior outings for the London side under Mauricio Pochettino.
Leeds make enquiry to sign Chelsea star Alfie Gilchrist
Earlier in the season, Jamie Redknapp was effusive in his praise of Gilchrist and described the talented defender as “excellent”. Now, he looks set to be on his way to The Championship in search of game time.
Indeed, reports claim Gilchrist would be keen on a move to Elland Road ahead of the new season and be a part of the promotion push to the Premier League. Gilchrist can play at right-back, or in the middle.
Now, reporter Ben Jacobs has told the London is Blue podcast that Leeds, Preston and Blackburn have all made “initial enquiries” to sign the exciting Chelsea academy product on loan in the coming weeks.
Leeds may find a boost in Gilchrist pursuit from Jesse Marsch
As per Transfermarkt, Gilchrist is represented by a company called Louie Anthony Sports Ltd. The same company that represents now-Canada, and former Leeds gaffer Jesse Marsch and that could help Leeds.
It helps in that Leeds will have had to work closely with Marsch’s agent to get the American to Elland Road in the first place and that connection could remain in place when pursuing a deal for Gilchrist.
Of the three clubs interested, you would imagine Leeds would be the one that tempts Gilchrist most if Leeds can offer the defender enough game time to convince him over a move to Yorkshire this summer.