Leeds United confirm new deal for injured defender Gaetano Berardi

DONE DEAL - Leeds United have confirmed a new deal for injured centre-half Gaetano Berardi, who required knee surgery after a fall in the game at Derby County late last season.

The defender required surgery after an awkward landing during Leeds' game at Derby County late last season, suffering a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament, and the popular 32-year-old was out of contract this summer.

But the Whites have given him a contract that runs until summer 2021 in order to keep him employed while he rehabilitates and returns to fitness.

He played 25 times last season as Leeds finished top of the Championship and earned promotion to the Premier League, slotting in seamlessly whenever Liam Cooper was unavailable.

Berardi joined from Italian outfit Sampdoria back in July 2014 and has made 155 appearances in all competitions.

When his contract came to an end prior to the season completing, post-lockdown, he agreed a short-term extension to help Leeds fight for promotion.

A club statement said: "The defender is still currently undergoing rehab following an operation over the close season and he will continue his recovery with the medical team at Thorp Arch over the coming months."