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Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images

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Leeds United should be trying to hijack any Joel Robles deal

Mathew Nash
Mathew Nash

This week it has been reported that Joel Robles will indeed be leaving Everton in the summer.The Spanish stopper is out of contract this summer and has played second fiddle for most of the season to summer recruit Jordan Pickford.

Reports in Spain suggest Getafe will be his next destination. Robles will rejoin the side where he spent two years as a youth-team player. That would of course be a great move for the keeper and Everton fans would undoubtedly wish him well.

IPSWICH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 13: Felix Wiedwald of Leeds United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Ipswich Town and Leeds United at Portman Road on January 13, 2018 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

But Leeds United are missing out on an excellent opportunity.

The Whites need a new goalkeeper this summer. Felix Wiedwald arrived last year from Werder Bremen as Leeds went in a new direction between the sticks. Rob Green was moved on and the German has struggled to fill his gloves. Veteran Andy Lonergan has not been suitable as back up and Leeds tried to sell him to Sunderland in January. With his back to the wall, Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom has turned to youngster Bailey Peacock-Farrell in recent weeks.

Robles would be the perfect addition for Leeds. The Spaniard would fit in with the new regime at Leeds, with Victor Orta director of football.

On his day Robles is an excellent goalkeeper. The Spanish stopper has Premier League experience with both Everton and Wigan Athletic and is exactly the type of goalkeeper Leeds need between the sticks next season.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Joel Robles of Everton embraces two young Everton fans that invaded the pitch during the Premier League match between Everton and Watford at Goodison Park on May 12, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

It seems Getafe are in pole position to sign Robles and that would be a real shame. Not making a move for the Spaniard would represent a massive missed opportunity for Leeds, who could have solved their biggest positional problem for nothing with a swoop for the 27-year-old.

This summer Leeds have to bring in a new goalkeeper. If there is still a chance it could be Robles then the West Yorkshire side must act fast and try to keep the Spaniard in England for the foreseeable future.