Gaetano Berardi's future at Leeds is yet to be confirmed, with the defender's contract set to expire at the end of the season. 

The Swiss defender who is in his seventh season at Elland Road is yet to sign a new deal with the Yorkshire club.

The Daily Mirror reported on Monday that United are open to handing Berardi a new deal at Elland Road but have said the decision is entirely in the hands of the player.

Berardi became Dave Hockaday's fifth signing over the summer of 2014 when he arrived from Sampdoria and since then has established himself as a cult like figure amongst United's fan base.

This season Berardi has seen his playing time limited to only four starts across the league and cup.

The Mirror suggests that the Leeds board are keen to keep him around as he is a popular figure in the dressing room and has experience.

Berardi will be in contention to start against Birmingham City at the weekend after having the red card at Millwall successfully overturned.

While his future remains unclear, he will be wanting to put right the wrongs of the Millwall defeat when Leeds host the Blues in their centenary match on Saturday.

Here we take a look at two pros and two cons to the Swiss extending his stay at Leeds...

Pro - Added experience to United's young squad

The board have reportedly said how much experience he brings to the side as well as a key figure in the dressing room.

Berardi knows the club inside out and is currently, alongside Liam Cooper, their longest serving player. He has always taken more of a squad player role and so far this season has been limited to minutes on the pitch.

However, he has stepped in due to Liam Cooper's absence and can play almost any position alongside Leeds' back line.

His versatility and willingness to deputise in the starting XI when required is easily admired by the United faithful, the coaching staff and the board.

With a host of younger players in the side such as Kalvin Phillips, Jack Harrison and potentially Ben White, it will be beneficial of Leeds to have someone of Berardi's experience around Elland Road.

Berardi has made 124 league appearances for Leeds someone of his experience would only prove as an aid to United's younger players.

Con - His tendency for a red card

Leeds fans love a player who plays with aggression and passion but his red card on 5th October against Millwall could have become a record equaling eighth for the club but for it getting rescinded last week.

Berardi's nature of seeing red is, needless to say, a concern for Leeds fans, often leading to an anxious nature in the crowd if he is left at the back on his own.

Berardi saw red in last season's play-off semi final defeat to Derby County, just as United had found themselves a way back into the game.

If United were to make the step up, Berardi's lack of self discipline at time could spell real concern for fans.

Pro - A leader

If Berardi was to stay he may only play a small part in United's season, however they would have a figure in him who can capture the dressing room and lead the team on and off the field.

Leeds United and Gaetano Berardi seem to suit each other, the passion and the pride he takes in his game has United down to a tee.

Although he is unlikely to be an ever-present figure in the starting XI, he will certainly be a good figure to have around the club and for the younger players to look up to.

His first goal for the club, against Newport County in January 2018, sparked jubilant celebrations amongst the United faithful, who so often back the Swiss to give 100% for their side.

Although fans will acknowledge there would be better options than Berardi to play week in, week out, they wouldn't grumble at him being around the club for a few more years.

Con - Spending the money elsewhere

It has been well documented how rigorously United's hierarchy are keen to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

If Berardi was to leave the club it would free up some wages that could be spent on in-comings, rather than spending them on Berardi who would be likely to be just a squad player.

Berardi could still opt to leave United on a free in order to seek more playing time and although this may disappoint some United fans it would certainly free up some capital for United to bring in fresh faces.

United's fan base will certainly be torn over this but it is ultimately up to the player what happens with his Leeds United future.