Leeds United have seemingly been given the green light to pursue a loan deal for a young Premier League star this summer.
As is the case with every Championship club, Leeds will be in the market for some of the very best youngsters and fringe players free to leave top-flight clubs on loan ahead of the upcoming season.
Across the course of last season, Leeds brought in four loan signings from Premier League clubs and it would be fair to say their success rate was mixed.
Joe Rodon was undoubtedly the best of them after arriving from Tottenham, though his fellow north London teammate Djed Spence did not make such an impact and was sent back early.
Jaidon Anthony and Connor Roberts, meanwhile, started just two league games each as they both struggled to force their way into Daniel Farke‘s plans.
Leeds target Alfie Gilchrist given green light for loan move
The best Premier League loans don’t tend to become available until later in the window, after managers have taken a look in pre-season and have made signings of their own.
Rodon, Spence and Anthony did not arrive until well into August last summer and Leeds are likely to have their patience tested again when it comes to these sort of deals.
However, according to the Athletic, a decision has already been made on the future of a player Leeds are keen to sign on loan.
It is said Chelsea will sanction a temporary exit for Leeds target Alfie Gilchrist even though new manager Enzo Maresca is still yet to have seen him in action.
The report also added that a new club has in-fact joined the race for Gilchrist, with former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas keen to sign him at Como after their promotion to Serie A.
Fabregas is the manager of Como and it will be interesting to see if his history at Stamford Bridge gives him the upper hand in the race.
Chelsea have doubts over sending Gilchrist to Leeds
Though Gilchrist himself is said to be open to a loan move to Leeds, the decision makers at Chelsea aren’t so keen.
The Blues reportedly harness concerns over Gilchrist’s ability to establish himself as a first team regular at Elland Road, which could be a major stumbling block given the aim of the loan is to play.
That said, Leeds are looking a little light on options at both centre-back and right-back right now, both of which are positions that Gilchrist plays.
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Chelsea’s stance changes, with Leeds still seemingly hovering for the ‘amazing‘ defender.