Leeds United would be making a sensible decision by tying down defender Pascal Struijk to a new contract, according to Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton.

The 23-year-old has impressed for the Whites in recent years despite enduring a few injury issues and has established himself as a regular starter under the tutelage of manager Jesse Marsch.

What is the latest news involving Struijk?

Struijk arrived at Leeds back in January 2018, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal after completing the switch from Eredivisie giants Ajax for a minimal fee.

The former Netherlands Under-17 international was only 18 at the time and initially joined up with the west Yorkshire outfit’s Under-23s before working his way up the ranks.

And Struijk, who is comfortable in a variety of positions, has certainly played his part in Leeds’ recent success, starting on 22 occasions in each of their last two Premier League campaigns.

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With just under two years remaining on his current £29,000-per-week contract, though, the 6 foot 3 ace’s future is up in the air, but reliable journalist Phil Hay believes Leeds want to keep him, Jack Harrison and Robin Koch.

“They’ll want to keep all of them,” he said on The Phil Hay show. “I’m not sure it’s happened yet, but I was expecting them to get into contract talks with Harrison as soon as the window closed.But Struijk, again, they will want to keep Struijk without a doubt.”

What has Thornton said about Struijk?

Harrison and Koch are also out of contract in the summer of 2024, and Thornton believes that it ‘makes sense’ for Leeds to get Struijk and his teammates to commit their futures to the club.

When asked about Harrison and Struijk in particular, he told GiveMeSport: “With Pascal, there's not been a lot of speculation about his future.

“But he's very versatile, fill's different positions, he's developed well, he's popular at the club, and he's happy at Leeds. So, it makes sense for both players, for me, to try and tie them down.”

How good is Struijk?

Struijk has played every minute of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign at left-back, filling in admirably for the injured Junior Firpo.

As per FBref, the talented ace has ranked in the 99th percentile for tackles and pressures, 97th for blocks, 95th for expected assists, 93rd for shot-creating actions and completed dribbles, and 84th for progressive passes amongst his positional peers over the last year.

And with Struijk capable of also playing at centre-back and the base of midfield, Marsch will surely be eager to keep him around for the foreseeable future.

Therefore, director of football Victor Orta may be wise to progress Struijk’s contract talks ahead of the January transfer window before any potential suitors try their luck.