Leeds have been approached by the representatives of Gary Cahill over a potential summer move to Elland Road, according to Football Insider.
The 61-cap former England international was a rarely-seen member of Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea last season, as he made just six starts in eight appearances across all competitions.
Like the Italian head coach who was replaced by Frank Lampard, Cahill has now left Stamford Bridge, as the South West London side opted against extending the 33-year-old centre-back’s £100,000-a-week contract, which expired on June 30.
Cahill is now a free agent, but is understood to have opened negotiations with Aston Villa over a potential return to the Birmingham-based outfit where he began his professional career.
But the discussions with the recently-promoted Premier League side are yet to enter an advanced stage, and Leeds are thought to have been given the opportunity to scupper the Villains’ plans.
Cahill is said to be chasing a two-year deal as he looks to resurrect his career as it enters the final stages, but is reluctant to join a side where he would be forced to take up another back-up role.
The former Bolton Wanderers servant would not oppose taking a step down to the Championship, either, so long as the interested club has the potential of challenging for promotion next season.
Intermediaries trying to facilitate Cahill’s return to regular football may have contacted the Whites given we recently parted ways with Pontus Jansson, but a move for the £7.2million-rated free agent would be very shrewd by Victor Orta, so long as his wage demands do not prove too much of a stumbling block.
Cahill would bring a wealth of experience and leadership to Elland Road, as well as being a threat at each end of the pitch, giving Marcelo Bielsa an astute centre-back that can find the back of the opponent’s net.
Leeds must also now be in the market for a new centre-half, Cahill or otherwise, given Jansson’s exit has left Bielsa facing a curtain raiser with Bristol City where Liam Cooper lines up alongside on-loan 21-year-old Ben White at Ashton Gate.