Better than Koch: Leeds must sign "outstanding" £5.4m-rated ace who Bielsa would love - opinion

Leeds United have been linked with a summer move for Middlesbrough centre-back Dael Fry, with numerous Premier League clubs interested in the 24-year-old as they look to tighten their defence.

According to Football League World, the defender is subject to interest from Leeds, as well as Premier League rivals Wolves, West Ham, Southampton, Burnley, Brighton and Brentford.

It has also been suggested that Boro are holding out for more than £20m for his services, but that would only be if the club are to miss out on promotion.

Chris Wilder has revitalised the Teesside club since his appointment in early November, with Middlesbrough currently sixth in the Championship with a game in hand on seventh-placed Nottingham Forest and two games on Huddersfield Town in fifth, with Fry making 21 league appearances so far this term.

It’s fair to say that Leeds are experiencing a case of ‘second season syndrome’ after their stellar reintroduction to the top flight last term, when they finished ninth in the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are currently 15th in the table and are still looking to distance themselves from the prospect of a nervy end to the season.

The Whites were notorious for shipping goals last term, conceding 54 times (1.42 per game), but their attack was frightening at times. The Yorkshire outfit scored 62 goals (1.63), which gave them a buffer for getting caught out at the back.

However, Leeds are yet to find that balance between attack and defence this season, conceding 46 goals (two per game) and scoring just 27 (1.17 per game), so investment in the defence is vital.

In Fry, Bielsa could find a decent solution. Despite not boasting any top-flight experience, the 24-year-old has made 160 appearances for Boro