Leeds have some important decisions to make over the next few weeks and former player Andy Couzens has stressed the importance of renewing Gaetano Berardi’s contract.

What did he say?

The Whites don’t yet know what division they will be competing in next season but with the Premier League beckoning it could prove hugely beneficial if they plan for life in the top-flight.

They may be doing exactly that already as according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the club is yet to open talks with Berardi in regards to a new deal, with the Italian also thought to be thinking of returning to his homeland.

Couzens believes that would be a bad move due to what the centre-back offers both on and off the field, and after six years of service his departure would likely sadden a few amongst the fanbase.

Speaking to Football League World, Couzens said:

“I would be looking to tie him down to a new deal.

“He’s a squad player and might get more games elsewhere in the Championship or somewhere else in the world, but he offers so much versatility across the defence, which means he fits the criteria; right-back, left-back centre-back.

“Additionally, he seems like a popular figure within the group.”

However, it seems as though the pundit may not get his wish, particularly as the defender has only started 11 league games this season, with Bielsa preferring 22-year-old Ben White ahead of him from matchday one.

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Leeds sit seven points clear currently and therefore just need a few more wins to claim promotion, so it is fair to assume that they will need to add to their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.

While Sheffield United have gone from strength to strength since promotion last year, Aston Villa and Norwich haven’t fared so well with 56 and 52 goals conceded respectively, and unsurprisingly sit in the relegation zone as a result.

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That shows the importance of strengthening the defence, which is made even more important for the Yorkshire side due to White’s loan expiring in the summer.

The youngster leaving means there is a case to be made for keeping Berardi at the club, but considering Bielsa prefers a small squad he may be perfectly fine with the centre-back leaving, as long as two more reinforcements come in.

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Being in the Premier League would give the Whites more financial power and player appeal, and that means finding someone who is an improvement on Berardi should not be too difficult a task to complete.

In other news, Leeds fans have been reacting to a significant update from Phil Hay…