A report in the Yorkshire Evening Post has reiterated Leeds United’s desire to sign Mathew Pennington permanently, despite the Whites not having the option to buy the on-loan defender.

Leeds moved to sign Pennington on a season-long loan from Everton during the summer transfer window, but despite the defender having his spell in the Sky Bet Championship plagued by injuries, Thomas Christiansen has been impressed by the 23-year-old and is keen to sign him permanently.

Pennington picked up an injury on his debut against Bolton Wanderers on the opening day of the season, and since then has struggled for a regular run of appearances, starting on just five occasions across the campaign and making a further seven substitute appearances.

However, Christiansen has been impressed with what he has seen from the Everton man, and although Leeds aren’t willing to make a move to sign the defender this week, they will ask the question about Pennington’s availability during the summer transfer window, despite not having a formal agreement over a permanent transfer.

Pennington will have a year left on his deal at Goodison Park when he returns, but will find himself under new management, with Sam Allardyce now in the dugout on Merseyside.

The defender is set for an extended opportunity in Leeds’ starting XI in the coming weeks, having made an appearance as a sub in Saturday’s defeat to Millwall, stepping off the bench following Liam Cooper’s red-card.

It is looking likely that Christiansen will put his faith in Pennington alongside Pontus Jansson in the coming weeks, with Cooper set to serve a four-match ban.

The Verdict

Leeds’ supporters have seen very little of Pennington since his arrival from Everton, but they are set to learn a lot more about the defender’s ability in the coming weeks with Cooper sidelined.

Pennington has talent, which is why Everton have kept him on their books for so long, but if there is a chance the defender can gain regular football at Elland Road, he could be tempted by a permanent deal.

The next few weeks could be the deciding factor to whether Pennington considers a permanent move to Elland Road.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!