Noel Whelan has admitted that he would love to see Tyrone Mings playing for Leeds United, following his impressive loan spell for Aston Villa in the Championship last season.
The 26-year-old joined Villa on loan from Bournemouth on transfer deadline day in January and played a vital role as Dean Smith's side won promotion from the Championship via the play-offs.
Mings made 18 appearances for Villa last season and was able to completely transform their defence into one of the strongest in the division.
The centre-back played an integral role in the ten-match winning run which saw Villa cement their position in the top six and also played in all three play-off games.
Former Leeds striker Whelan has admitted that he would love see Mings play for his former club.
“Tyrone Mings has been at a Premier League club for a while now and just not really given the opportunity. We saw last season, playing for Aston Villa, what a difference he made,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“He was that missing piece as far as I’m concerned – they were scoring goals but leaking too many. Since he came in there was a different attitude and a different steeliness about that Aston Villa back four.
“He’s a leader, he’s dangerous in attacking situations, very aggressive in defence – I’d love to have him at Leeds United.”
Leeds finished third in the Championship table last season, three points ahead of Villa, after spending most of the season challenging for a place in the top two, but lost to Derby County in the play-off semi-finals.
Villa are hoping to sign Mings on a permanent deal this summer and Mings is thought to be keen on a return to Villa Park.
The Verdict
Mings was a magnificent signing for Villa last season and played a vital role in their promotion from the Championship.
I think he'd have been a great signing for Leeds Untied and would have been able to walk straight into the team at centre-back alongside either Liam Cooper or Pontuss Jansson.
He'd be an excellent signing for Villa if they can get him on a permanent deal.