Leeds join race to lure Gallagher from the Bridge

LEEDS UNITED are among the clubs to have made enquiries about Chelsea’s highly-rated midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The energetic 20-year-old was outstanding for Swansea City in the Championship last season and is expected to discuss his next career move with Chelsea this week.

A number of Premier League sides have asked to be kept informed, as well as most of the Championship. Chelsea are understood to be leaning towards sending him out on another loan rather than selling at this stage.

Leeds are exploring a number of options to strengthen their frontline and midfield for their Premier League return, while they also want cover at left back and centre back which is a priority.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa, who is close to extending his contract this week, is keen to re-sign Ben White from Brighton after his impressive loan spell but that will be difficult after they were reported to have had a second bid for the centre back turned down. They have also considered Arsenal’s Rob Holding.

England boss Gareth Southgate watched White and midfielder Kalvin Phillips against Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road in January and recently confirmed the duo are on his radar.

Earlier this week, White won the Championship Goal of the Month for a stunning volley in last month’s 4-0 win against Charlton.

He said: ‘It was my only goal of the season in the final game and it was a great moment for me.

‘We went on to lift the Championship trophy that night to end the season on a real high.’

Leeds want up to five new signings. Brentford duo Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma are both targets while 18-year-old striker Joe Gelhardt is poised for a £900,000 move from

crisis-hit Wigan.