Leeds United have some decisions to make this season, one of which is over the future of Swiss defender Gaetano Berardi, whose contract runs out in the summer.

The defender, who joined the Whites in the summer of 2014, has become a cult hero at Elland Road, as well as having his critics for his sometimes erratic and over aggressive play style, which has seen him pick up numerous red cards in his Leeds career.

Under Marcelo Bielsa, who is seemingly a big fan of the defender, Berardi has been best used as a back-up central defender replacing injured players. Berardi has stepped in for Liam Cooper this season, starting five league fixtures.

Berardi remains the only surviving member of Massimo Cellino's first summer arrivals from the top tier of Italian football.

Here then are TWO things Leeds must consider as they weigh up Berardi's future, which has been a talking point with Noel Whelan and Football Insider...

Is he good enough?

Berardi is unlikely to be forcing himself into the starting eleven when both Cooper and Ben White are fully fit, and as a back up, perhaps Bielsa may been keen to implement the likes of Pascal Struijk or Leif Davis from the academy rather than an ageing Berardi.

Berardi is one of the more senior players at the club and has proven his worth over the years, but perhaps the loyalty and commitment Berardi has shown to the club is being repaid by the club retaining his services should they decide to keep him.

His commitment and loyalty can only go so far; not the tallest of defenders but an ability to read the game and doesn't shy away from getting stuck in, as it were, are valuable qualities in a defender.

The division the club will be in

Another factor to consider is whether Leeds will be a Championship or Premier League club next season.

Depending on when the club decided to start talking to Berardi and his agent about extending his future the position of the club will need to be considered.

Berardi may be wanting more first-team football, which is increasingly unlikely if Leeds were to be promoted this season, and a move away may be the better option for Berardi.

Berardi has proven himself a solid Championship defender and another season in the Championship past this season may save his Leeds United career.