Leeds United are interested in a move for out-of-favour Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori in the January transfer, 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 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 to 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 relegaton 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.
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 loan out to Brighton, Hull and Derby in 2018 - where he first made a name for himself in Lampard's first coaching role.
Sahla_HDP
0
Please, take him... Guy needs to.play to figure out why Lampard has him on bench.
If it was me, Rüdiger would never bench him. But yet, we don't know what happens in the training session.
Dizcdenz
0
I still wish Tomori would be given more game time. He is far better than Christensen, in my view, but if he has to go to Leeds, I would suggest that we get Kalvin Phillips, in turn. Loan or permanent, I think Phillips can assist in our middle field, instantly.
Dizcdenz
0
If Leeds take Tomori, then Chelsea must get Kalvin Phillips, in a Swop Deal. That is good Business Relationship, between the 2 Clubs,
Nesaiknruy_Legend
2
If Fikayo does go Leeds he will be perfect cos with that high line they need a speedy defender and his recover pace for me is the best in the premier league from any centre back. Bielsa and Tomori are a match made in heaven. I can really see him doing well if he gets his chance. I don't buy that Tomori is inferior to other young defenders like Godfrey or Gomez, on the contrary I think hes better.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
1
has he been sold.....for we know,this could be fake news
Nah its potential loan not sale. No way the club sells the most promising defender it has at the moment.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
1
It's crazy that we're selling Tomori before Christensen. Lol
I honestly dont know how Tomori is the first out the door when Christeensen is a bum Luckily it's only a loan.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
0
ever since he admired lampard's wife on training grand, that's is where he found himself. not that he is not good in any aspect, but bcs of his feelings for lampard's wife restricted him to the bench. brother, just hold on, sonner than letter Lampard will be no more and ur star 🌟 will shine again.
I have no idea what you are talking about, this us Fikayo Tomori not John Terry 😂
Nesaiknruy_Legend
2
If Frank isnt going to play him then Fikayo might as well go on loan. Its a shame really cos I rate him more than Rudi or Christensen. I think he could have been molded into a gem. Had great ball playing attributes and insane recovery pace. Potentially could have even been shifted to CDM. I've seen this man go from pocketing Salah to sitting on the bench all season. It's a shame.
dipeituz
0
Is that Leeds of premiership or that of championship, insult of the century to this England adopted player ,but you are paying the price of rejecting your fathersland
Rihakmoz
0
ever since he admired lampard's wife on training grand, that's is where he found himself. not that he is not good in any aspect, but bcs of his feelings for lampard's wife restricted him to the bench. brother, just hold on, sonner than letter Lampard will be no more and ur star 🌟 will shine again.
When did dis one happen
luhekmtu
0
tomori better than zouma lampard why
Princemoore365
0
Please, take him... Guy needs to.play to figure out why Lampard has him on bench.
This guy was a beast last season but rudiger spoilt it all by coming back from injury
rekbcimpy
0
loan him ... so there will happy both side
chizzlekay
0
Lol this one that was using Nigeria to shine when we begged him to come play You go tey for bench just dey watch
Auguerooooooo
1
take Christensen instead
Sahla_HDP
1
Please, take him... Guy needs to.play to figure out why Lampard has him on bench.
Sewabepryz
0
This guy is talented and very strong 💪
Sewabepryz
0
We will not do a big mistake to sale him no no and no no
Sewabepryz
0
Please If he will not get chance then loaned will help cfc get experience and come back
ChelseaFCaddict
0
Robin Koch is a good player ,so underrated. wish him speedy recovery
dotabeiopr
1
Lampard, stick on 4-2-3-1 lineup
Albertbuckle
2
Please Lamps keep this player
BHARATJADHAV
1
once again unsuccessful theory....
Meycdnprz
1
its just news .i tell u what .you are going to see him in fa cup game believe Lambard is going to play last season u youth in the next few games
Olawarley
1
has he been sold.....for we know,this could be fake news
You're right
koocdkmyz
2
It's crazy that we're selling Tomori before Christensen. Lol
I want a t.shirt I'm in namibia anyone to send me
Mose_9
2
It's crazy that we're selling Tomori before Christensen. Lol
has he been sold.....for we know,this could be fake news
Boebdemno
1
It's crazy that we're selling Tomori before Christensen. Lol
Selling
Boebdemno
2
Good luck brother it's a well organized club than Chelsea at the moment
BandaNdara
2
sell him to Man Utd
XaadiM
1
Sell Christensein Tomori is better
Sisdeop
0
ever since he admired lampard's wife on training grand, that's is where he found himself. not that he is not good in any aspect, but bcs of his feelings for lampard's wife restricted him to the bench. brother, just hold on, sonner than letter Lampard will be no more and ur star 🌟 will shine again.
Copailnpsz
1
Tomori is faaaaarrrrrr best than Christensen
Venito2023
2
Tomori is good and can come handy for Bielsas side who has a solid attacking side and are doing really well at the moment.. get him to Leeds to add power to the defence.. just love to watch Leeds attacking play.. good luck
Olawarley
3
It's crazy that we're selling Tomori before Christensen. Lol
Venito2023
1
Tomori is good and can come handy for Bielsas side who has a solid attacking side and are doing really well at the moment.. get him to Leeds to add power to the defence.. just love to watch Leeds attacking play..