Three free agent defenders Leeds United could sign after surprise transfer twist

Leeds United were among the busier Championship sides this summer with 19 senior players leaving the club and eight new faces coming through the door.

It's been a steady start to the campaign for the Whites who are unbeaten in their opening four games with two wins and two draws. Daniel Farke will be hoping they can go one better than last season having missed out on promotion in the Championship Play-Off Final after defeat to Southampton.

The German head coach has a small squad at his disposal, and while Farke has suggested he won't delve into the free agent market, injuries or suspensions may well force his hand. Max Wober is the latest player to pick up a knock having missed Austria's game against Norway with a knee injury. Turkish giants Galatasaray have also been credited with an interest in the defender.

READ MORE:Leeds United boss Daniel Farke already has Georginio Rutter replacement right under his nose

READ MORE:Max Wober has already made feelings clear on Leeds United future amid Galatasaray transfer links

It means Leeds have just Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk as out-and-out central defenders, though Ethan Ampadu can also fill in there. Former Whites midfielder David Norris believes the Whites could be forced into action

"Initially, I didn’t think the club would pursue any free agents – but it never usually comes as planned," Norris told MOT Leeds News. “If there’s the right player for them, then I’d back them to go and do it. There are a few good players out there, but then it’s a question of fitness and how they’d fit into the team.

“With the quality that remains out there at the moment and with Leeds missing out on a few targets and needing numbers, I would in fact say yes.”

Leeds Live has taken a look at some of the free agents that the Whites could still sign.

Joel Matip

Former Liverpool defender Joel Matip is among a number of high-profile defenders still without a club. The Cameroonian centre-half spent eight years with the Reds, making a total 201 appearances. He won seven trophies along the way, including a Premier League title and a Champions League under former boss Jurgen Klopp.

The 32-year-old had an ACL injury that kept him out for most of last season, but is yet to call time on his career . He has reportedly received an offer from West Ham United to stay in the top flight. He would be an experienced addition, though his wages may be out of Leeds' league.

After leaving Anfield, Matip said: "It has been eight wonderful years here in Liverpool. I was allowed to be part of an exciting history with a great coach and an astonishing team in an extraordinary club. We have achieved great titles and have the best fans in the world."

Paul Dummett

Another player with plenty of top flight experience, is former Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett. The Wales international, who can play at left-back or at centre-half, has been linked with a move to Portsmouth and a reunion with Matt Ritchie at Fratton Park.

The 32-year-old has not played much in recent seasons, but would be a reliable option in reserve.

Sergio Ramos

Okay, this may be an unrealistic one given he's now 38-years-old. But Sergio Ramos has won it all during his long career.

An icon with Real Madrid having won everything there is to win at Los Blancos, a World Cup and European Championship winner with Spain. Imagine Ramos at Elland Road geeing up the crowd in the dying embers of an all important Championship game, or the stereotypical Stoke City away on a Tuesday night?

Maybe it's nostalgia that's appealing here rather than a logical move. His wages wouldn't come cheap and he's been linked with a move to the MLS and South America.