Leeds United made a real statement of intent when brought in one of the world's most iconic current managers in the shape of Marcelo Bielsa.

Since the fiery Chilean made the move to Elland Road Twitter has been abuzz with rumours of who he may bring to the club.

But something that Leeds have been crying out for a while is an experienced head at the back.

West Bromwich Albion may have answered their prayers with the news that Gareth McAuley has been released from his contract alongside Claudio Yacob and Boaz Myhill.

Why him? 

At 38, McAuley is far from a long-term solution. But over the last few seasons, he has remained consistently solid, arguably improving.

He is someone who knows the art of defending inside out and would be a figure of real stability and level-headedness at a club where both have been severely lacking for a long time now.

Alongside Pontus Jansson, Leeds could have one of the best defensive partnerships in the league. Something that is always at the heart of every promotion winning side.

He may not be a particularly exciting signing for the Whites fans, but he is a necessary signing.

Not to mention his knack for scoring a goal, the 38-year-old netted seven times for the Baggies two seasons ago.

Only Salomon Rondon scored more.

Shrewd

As a free agent, he will leave plenty of funds for Bielsa to splash on more exciting signings.

The club have been linked with the likes of Abel Hernandez, David Stockdale, Matej Vydra and Jack Marriott.

If they are to be able to make these signings then they will need to be shrewd in how they improve in other positions, which they no doubt need to do.