Marcelo Bielsa open to defensive additions

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has said that he is open to bringing new defenders into his side before the transfer window shuts.

The Whites have the likes of Gaetano Berardi, Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper available at the back, but are yet to sign any support for their current defence.

Bielsa told reporters at a press conference that while there could be new additions to his side, he is happy that midfielders such as Kalvin Phillips can drop into the centre-back role if needed.

"Even if we have just Cooper and Jansson as centre-backs, [Conor] Shaughnessy is a defensive midfielder, but he can play there, as can Berardi as a full-back," the Argentine said.

"Kalvin Phillips can also play as a centre-back. Ayling already played as a centre-back. If we could add another option it would be good too."

Leeds, who begin their season at home to Stoke City on Sunday, are expected to be without Jansson, who had a late start to pre-season after reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup with Sweden.