Everton defender Matthew Pennington will struggle to get into the first team squad under Marco Silva, and a loan move away from the club is on the cards.

The 23-year-old joined Leeds last season on loan and made 24 Championship appearances for the Whites. With Everton looking to send him out on loan again, a move to the Championship is a possible option.

According to reports from Leeds Live, a return to Leeds United may be on the cards for Pennington.

However, Leeds are not alone in the race to sign him on a temporary basis, as they face competition from Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic.

Marcelo Bielsa has the likes of Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper and Conor Shaughnessy as natural centre-backs, but the report claims that the club may attempt to reinforce in that department.

Therefore, the Whites could look to bring in Pennington in another loan move at Elland Road.

Of the three Championship options currently available for the player, Leeds would be Pennington’s first choice because of his established relation with the Yorkshire club already.