Leeds United are set to turn down the chance to sign former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill on a free transfer, according to the Mirror (July 12, page 67).

Marcelo Bielsa has reportedly been offered the chance to sign the 33-year-old following his release from the Blues, but it now appears Leeds are set to turn down the opportunity.

Cahill was released by Chelsea when his contract expired earlier this summer, and he is now looking to resurrect his career after featuring just eight times during his final year at Stamford Bridge.

The former England international was mentioned as a possible replacement for Pontus Jansson, who left Leeds to join Brentford earlier this week. However, the Mirror report claims that Cahill "does not fit the bill" for Leeds despite his experience at the top level.

Leeds have already signed defender Ben White on loan from Brighton this summer, but they only have two other senior options at centre-back in Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi.

The Verdict

I'm surprised that Leeds have ruled out this move so abruptly, as I thought Cahill would have fitted the bill at Elland Road in many ways.

Jansson's departure means the Whites are losing a highly experienced figure, and Cahill would be more than capable of filling this gap with his wealth of Premier League and international experience.

It can only be assumed that Leeds' refusal to sign Cahill must be down to financial rather than playing matters. Cahill would have been earning a high wage at Chelsea, which Leeds will struggle to match within their financial structures.

I think Cahill would be an excellent addition for any top Championship team who can afford his services, as he is still at a good age for a defender and could be an integral figure in any promotion push.