Leeds United pushing Birmingham City for answer after Stockdale loan bid

The YEP understands that Leeds have proposed a temporary deal with a view to a permanent transfer at the end of next term following Birmingham’s decision to rule Stockdale out of their first-team plans.

The 32-year-old has been sidelined by City manager Garry Monk after only one campaign with the club but Leeds need a new keeper having sold former first choice Felix Wiedwald to Eintracht Frankfurt.

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Wiedwald departed recently after a difficult year in England and is likely to be followed out of Elland Road by veteran Andy Lonergan, his understudy for much of last term.

Northern Ireland international Bailey Peacock-Farrell is the only other first-team keeper on the books and United want strong competition for the 21-year-old despite his impressive run in the senior side towards the end of the 2017-18 term.

Leeds initially identified Manchester City’s Angus Gunn as their main target in the hope of landing him on loan but the experienced Stockdale came onto their radar after Birmingham informed him that he would not feature under Monk.

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Birmingham’s players have returned to training but Stockdale is not due back until next week and will work with City’s youngsters until he finds another club.

A lifelong Leeds fan, Stockdale moved to Birmingham on a free transfer last summer having turned down a new deal with Brighton. He was a pivotal figure in Brighton’s promotion to the Premier League but chose to leave in search of a longer contract.

United, who are still to making their first summer signing, are anxious to bring their hunt for a keeper to a conclusion with Marcelo Bielsa installed as head coach and training at Thorp Arch already underway.