This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Leeds United return to action following the international break, with Marcelo Bielsa's side looking to get their automatic promotion push back on track, following two defeats in their last three outings.

Bielsa though is not only thinking about this weekend's fixture, but is also looking at his playing squad, with a contract extension being considered for defender Gaetano Berardi, according to a report in The Mirror.

So are Leeds right to be considering a contract extension for Berardi? Should they proceed and tie him down to a new deal?

We discuss........

Chris Gallagher

"No, I don't know what they're thinking.

"Berardi would be useful for his versatility but the fact is they have enough cover at full-back already, so he's not really needed in that role now.

"That means he will be offered a new deal on the basis he can play centre-back - which is crazy. He has let the team down so many times in that position, notably the play-off semi-final against Derby, but they still persist with him.

"It may seem harsh to someone who was a crowd favourite but Leeds should be able to bring in more quality in that area which means he wouldn't be needed."

Liam Drury

"Leeds United right-back Gaetano Berardi could have a future with Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United, after news broke of the club being open to extending the 31 year-old's contract at Elland Road.

"Berardi putting pen to paper on a new deal could be good news for Leeds, as having made six appearances so far this season for the Whites, Berardi has performed as his usually consistent self and Bielsa trusts the defender to do a job for the side.

"Despite just being a back-up option at Leeds since Bielsa he arrived in Yorkshire, Berardi has been a strong character within the dressing room and his experience has brought a lot to the Leeds backline when he's been called into action.

"Berardi is a steady head as backup for the Championship play-off chasers, and Berardi will be hoping that Leeds do decide to extend his contract with the Whites."

Jordan Rushworth

"Given Leeds are working with quite a small squad in terms of their options to replace injured or suspended first team players, it might not be the worst idea to consider extending Gaetano Berardi’s deal with the club.

"However, there would perhaps need to be caution given that he sometimes loses his discipline at crucial moments, and ends up picking up a red card or giving away cheap fouls, which ultimately costs Leeds vital extra points.

"Even though he did not actually concede a foul which justified a red card during Leeds’ 2-1 defeat at Millwall, his reputation went against him and the referee was quick to brandish the red card and point to the spot, which is something that might not have happened had been another defender involved in the incident.

"If Leeds do not extend his deal then must make sure they find an adequate replacement, and if that can’t be achieved then they would be better of sticking with Berardi and having him at the club as a squad player."

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