Greg Halford, Junior Hoilett, Bobby Reid, Andrea Bjelland and Alan McGregor, the first five free agents I looked at yesterday, all of whom would significantly improve the Leeds United team currently. Today I’ve picked out another five, less obvious players who are out of contract in a few months. All are realistic and all would add quality to a squad that seriously lacks it all over the park.
Ryan Fredericks – Fulham – Right-Back
The interesting thing about this situation is that Fredericks is one of the best full backs in the league. He is a natural right-back and there is a clear issue there, we already have a few of those. He can also play on the left hand side but in terms of ability he is better than what we have, up there with Luke Ayling. Ayling at centre-back is something worth thinking about because between him and Pontus Jansson they could sort that out. You also have to consider Lewie Coyle and Gaetano Berardi, but it’s certainly an interesting situation.
Jordan Graham – Wolves – Winger
Before his injury I looked at Graham as one of the best potential talents in the division. He is very tricky but the injury seems to have allowed him to bulk up some. Quick and direct he is the opposite to any of the wide players we have at the club. Full of tricks but most importantly he has good service. Can play down either side and Wolves probably don’t fancy him with promotion on the cards and the vast options they will have in the transfer market in the summer.
Abel Hernandez – Hull City – Striker
I would like to say that only a few positions need addressing in the summer but it’s a lie, every position could do with some help. We desperately need a striker and one that will fill the void left by Chris Wood. If you look at the record of Abel Hernandez you don’t need to look any further. He’ll get you 20 plus goals if he stays fit and gets the service and we are crying out for that player. Quick and a handful for defences, certainly gettable. By that I mean you take away the Lasogga wages, add in some more and you have one he could live with at Leeds United, he wouldn’t have to relocate if he didn’t want and he moves to a bigger club.
Aron Gunnarsson – Cardiff City – Central Midfielder
Remember all those games where we were bullied by other teams, the lack of fight and desire missing in abundance and we didn’t have the experienced heads to pull us through? You wouldn’t have that with players like this in your team. Not getting any younger but I couldn’t care less about age any more, if they are 17 and good enough great, 34 and good enough then great. Very good player at this level and a leader on the pitch, we have very few of them at the football club.
Mark Bunn – Aston Villa – Goalkeeper
A steady goalkeeper who won’t make many mistakes, are you sold already? I spoke yesterday about Alan McGregor but Mark Bunn is a very similar idea. Experienced, will command his area and will give confidence to the defenders that are playing in front of him. Has Baily Peacock-Farrell done well yes, is he the current answer to those problems, probably not.