Leeds United have begun the first steps of a move for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, making contact with his representatives this week.

The Lowdown: Chalobah profiled

Chalobah, who Rio Ferdinand called 'unbelievable' for his performance in the 2021 UEFA Super Cup, is primarily a centre-back who can also turn out in a defensive midfield role.

The 23-year-old, valued at a career-high £18m by Transfermarkt, has made 30 senior appearances for the Blues, spending time out on loan with Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town and FC Lorient.

He watched on at Elland Road on Sunday as an unused substitute in a 3-0 defeat for Thomas Tuchel’s side, and it looks as if Leeds are keen on a potential late move.

The Latest: Leeds contact

90min provided an update regarding Chalobah’s future on Tuesday.

They claim that Chelsea could make the player available for loan if they sign Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana, with Leeds making contact with Chalobah’s representatives.

The report adds that the Whites would indeed be interested in a move, should he ‘hit the market’.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-50/" title="Latest Leeds United news" poster="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

The Verdict: Look elsewhere?

Jesse Marsch is well-stocked at centre-back with four senior options and in midfield after bringing in Marc Roca and Tyler Adams.

Therefore, bringing in the versatile Chalobah doesn’t seem to be crucial, whereas you could make an argument for a new forward being an absolute necessity.

Yes, Rodrigo has starred so far this season, but he is mainly used in a deeper role, so securing a new number nine to provide competition to Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt would be a smarter move than pursuing a loan deal for Chalobah.