Leeds ‘plotting a move for Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori’ after falling out of favour under Frank Lampard
Leeds United are interested in a move for out-of-favour Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori in the January transfer window, according to reports.
The English centre back emerged as a highly-rated talent at Stamford Bridge last season after being given a chance in the first team in Frank Lampard’s first season in charge, but has seen opportunities diminish in this campaign after Chelsea brought in Thiago Silva from PSG.
Lampard has a wealth of options at centre back, with Kurt Zouma, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen ahead of him in the pecking order, and the BBC have reported that Leeds is now the likeliest destination for the 23-year-old.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa (right) could move for Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori (left), reports claim
Robin Koch has been ruled out for three months, with Leeds now requiring defensive cover
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is in need of defensive reinforcements after losing Robin Koch to a long-term injury last month. The German is set for around three months on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery, having come off in their 3-1 defeat by Chelsea.
The Whites have impressed at times this season and sit in 12th place on 23 points – comfortably clear of Fulham, who occupy the first relegation spot with 11 points – but the newly-promoted outfit have looked vulnerable in recent games.
Fans and pundits have praised Bielsa’s men for their high-octane playing style but the tactic has resulted in some questionable defensive displays. While they have dazzled going forward – netting 30 times – they have also let in 33, the second highest in the division.
Tomori has fallen down the pecking order under Frank Lampard after the arrival of Thiago Silva
Tomori (right) has been limited to just 45 minutes of Premier League action this season
In the last month they have thrashed Newcastle 5-2 and West Brom 5-0 but suffered a heavy 6-2 loss against Manchester United and lost 3-0 to Spurs last time out.
Tomori will be keen to prove his worth after being limited to just 45 minutes in the Premier League this season – with his last competitive appearance coming in September in a Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham.
He played 22 times for the Blues last season as he slotted in at the back with Chelsea forced to look to youth after being placed under a transfer embargo. But his future at Stamford Bridge looks in doubt after Lampard revamped his defence by bringing in the experienced Thiago, while also snapping up youngster Malang Sarr.
Tomori has been with the club since 2005, having joined at Under-8 level and has been loaned out to Brighton, Hull and Derby in 2018 – where he first made a name for himself in Lampard’s first coaching role.
