---
title: "Leeds United: Noel Whelan hints Marcelo Bielsa should join race to sign Tyrone Mings"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-noel-whelan-hints-marcelo-bielsa-should-join-race-to-sign-tyrone-mings/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Championship News"
published: "2020-03-27T17:50:35Z"
modified: "2020-04-06T11:53:45Z"
---

# Leeds United: Noel Whelan hints Marcelo Bielsa should join race to sign Tyrone Mings

**Speaking to[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-whelan-urges-leeds-united-to-sign-30m-defender-this-summer/), former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has suggested that Marcelo Bielsa potentially take advantage of a ‘[clause](https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-whelan-urges-leeds-united-to-sign-30m-defender-this-summer/)‘ in Tyrone Mings’ contract at Aston Villa.**

Mings, who has impressed for Villa in the Premier League this season, starting 23 games and making the most clearances per game (5.8) out of any squad member ([WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/24/Show/England-Aston-Villa)), could be a man in demand when the summer transfer window rolls around – with this report from Football Insider claiming that the Englishman will have ‘[no shortage of suitors](https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-whelan-urges-leeds-united-to-sign-30m-defender-this-summer/)‘.

Currently, loanee defender Ben White has been paramount for Leeds, but United may have to rival Liverpool for his permanent signature ([Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-liverpool-set-sights-on-leeds-united-player/)). As a result, Whelan claims that Bielsa could opt to snap up Mings as a potential replacement if they do gain promotion, claiming how the spine of the side is so important.

“The spine of a side is so important. Look at how important Virgil van Dijk has been and Vincent Kompany over the past few years,” explained Whelan.

“Mings is a fantastic player and a great buy. I would have snapped him up after the way he played last season.

“He got his England cap as well so it goes to show he is a very good centre-half. He has every attribute you would like – decent on the ball, strong, committed, good stature and very quick as well.

“He is a player that is only going to get better but if Aston Villa go down he will be in demand by other Premier League clubs. There may be a clause in his contract but I would presume Aston Villa will want more than £30million.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”289296″\]

Indeed, judging by Whelan’s verdict, Mings could be a good replacement if Liverpool beat Leeds to White’s signature – especially if they can take advantage of a potential clause in his contract.

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