Leeds United bid £2.5m for ‘one of the best’ centre-backs a year ago, now he’s available on a free transfer

One area that Adam Underwood, Daniel Farke and The 49ers will need to improve at Leeds United is in central defence – and one player The Whites have been linked with is available on a free.

Pascal Struijk’s injuries over the last couple of years have highlighted the need to bring in more options in the middle of the Leeds defence. When Struijk is sidelined, Ethan Ampadu fills in alongside Joe Rodon.

But it means that Ampadu is missing in midfield and while Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell and Ilia Gruev have combined to fill that void, no-one does it like Ampadu. In the top tier, Leeds may not get away with it.

Ampadu’s aggression, mobility, robust style of play is key to Leeds being solid – it showed in the first half of the season when he returned from injury. Leeds need centre-backs; one option is available on a free.

Jordan Torunarigha makes decision on future amid Leeds links

Rewind a year and Leeds were being linked with a move for Gent and Nigeria powerhouse Jordan Torunarigha. The centre-back has impressed in Belgium, and was in the final year of his Gent contract.

Leeds made a bid of £2.5m for Torunarigha, but he remained and has done until now. A report from French outlet Top Mercato now says that Torunarigha has chosen not to sign a new contract at Gent.

He will be allowed to leave the Jupiler League outfit on a free transfer. If Leeds remain interested, they could reignite their interest from a year ago and look to finally bring him to West Yorkshire for nothing.

Torunarigha once described as one of the world’s best defenders