GETTY Leeds United are in talks to complete a permanent deal for Matthew Pennington

The 23-year-old utility man is on a season-long loan at Elland Road and has made nine appearances. Head coach Thomas Christiansen has been impressed with Pennington’s performances in defence and midfield. Pennington, who has made just nine appearances for Everton, is out of contract at Goodison Park in June 2019. According to Football Insider, Leeds are hopeful of completing a permanent deal when the transfer window reopens.

Leeds chiefs have already completed one January signing with the capture of Japan international Yosuke Ideguchi. But the 21-year-old midfielder does not qualify for a UK work permit so he is set to spend the second half of the season with partner club Cultural Leonesa. A move has also been launched for Heracles winger Brandley Kuwas. The club have held talks with Curacao international Kuwas’ representatives.

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GETTY Matthew Pennington's Everton contract expires next summer