Ben Jacobs reports that Leeds United wants to sign Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist this summer on a season-long loan.

The journalist reports that the Whites may look to west London to bolster their roster ahead of a second season in the Championship under Daniel Farke, writing on his personal X account on May 31.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, Gilchrist played 17 times for the Blues first team, scoring once as a right-back. Leeds, on the other hand, has lost three right-backs since the beginning of the previous campaign: Djed Spence, Luke Ayling, and Connor Roberts. Additionally, Sam Byram’s contract is about to expire.

“Next season, Alfie Gilchrist might be sent on loan to the Championship,” he wrote.

“Everything is still in its early phases. Leeds, Preston, and Blackburn have all expressed interest. No conversations with Swansea or Millwall as of yet.

Leeds United need to sign a new right-back this summer

Farke made sure the team was strong throughout the season, but as the games progressed, the performance of the right-back position in particular grew a little bit worse.

Ayling left for Middlesbrough because he wanted to play more frequently, and Spence was sent back to Tottenham in January as a result of a falling out between him and Farke. The only two people left were Byram and Archie Gray after Roberts entered but it was already decided to send him back to Burnley.

But Byram’s contract situation being up in the air and the fact that Gray is by far a better midfielder than defender, and there is transfer interest in him also, means a new right-back is a necessity.

Gilchrist, who is only 20 years old, is eager to demonstrate that he can perform on a regular basis while playing football for the first team. He excelled for Chelsea last season with his defensive skills.

He would be a great fit for Farke’s squad and Elland Road would be a great place for him to do that, so this is definitely a situation to keep an eye on.

In other Leeds news, the club owned by a billionaire has decided to pursue Crysencio Summerville this summer.

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