The popular defender is the Whites’ longest-serving player among the current squad with 155 appearances to his name since arriving from Sampdoria in 2014.
Having played such an instrumental part in ending Leeds’ 16-year Premier League absence, the 32-year was dealt such a cruel blow when he picked up an ACL injury in the same game where Marcelo Bielsa’s side clinched the Championship title.
Berardi has been out of action since July 2020, however his return to training could well see him return to the starting XI before the season is over.
The Switzerland player, in a sense, is effectively fighting for a new deal with his contract expiring in the summer and former Whites defender Danny Mills is tipping him to get one – if he can prove his fitness over the coming months.
He told Football Insider: “I think they’ll take a look at it and see how fit he gets between now and the end of the season.
"They’ll see if he’s up to the rigours of the Premier League, and if he is, with the injuries they’ve had this season, especially to their new additions at centre-half, they may well offer him another short-term deal.
“It all depends on his fitness but it looks like he’s been working hard. If he gets himself right, there’s no reason why they wouldn’t offer him a new deal.
“As we’ve seen with Covid and everything that comes with it, sometimes it’s best to keep hold of what you’ve got rather than trying to get people in from elsewhere.”
Meanwhile, Leeds have learned the asking price for one of their reported summer targets, Tommaso Pobega.
It was reported by Tuttosport last week that the Whites had been alerted to the AC Milan midfielder, who is currently impressing on loan at Spezia.
They view the 21-year-old as a potential back-up to Kalvin Phillips, which on current evidence is certainly needed, though Leicester City are also linked.
Now, Calciomercato claim clubs interested in Pobega will have to pay over £8million for the Italian, who has been dubbed the ‘new Nemanja Matic.’
Here’s a round-up of the latest gossip doing the rounds across the Premier League:
7. Vilca wants loan move
Rodrigo Vilca is eyeing a loan move away from Newcastle. According to his agent Elio Casareto, the Peruvian “needs the experience of a first team in Europe” with the future idea being he replaces Miguel Almiron in the number 10. (Futbol Peruano via Sport Witness) Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
8. Pobega price tag revealed
Leeds United and Leicester City will need to pay over £8million should they want to sign AC Milan midfielder Tommaso Pobega, currently impressing on loan at Spezia, this summer. He has been dubbed the ‘new Nemanja Matic.’ (Calciomercato) Photo: Valerio Pennicino
9. Berardi tipped to sign new deal
Danny Mills is tipping Gaetano Berardi to earn a new contract at Leeds - if he can prove his fitness. The long-serving Switzerland defender has recently returned to training after suffering an ACL injury in July last season. (Football Photo: Alex Livesey