Inside Cody Drameh’s Leeds United future and the decisions that could influence Burnley transfer

Burnley are firmly in the race for Leeds United defender Cody Drameh, who faces a crossroads in his career this summer.

Lancs Live understands that the right-back is on the Clarets’ summer wishlist after his impressive performances for Luton Town which saw them promoted to the Premier League. Vincent Kompany wants to add competition for Connor Roberts in defence.

Drameh is back with Leeds after their relegation from the Premier League. He has one year left on his contract and therefore the club could be forced to cash in if they don’t use him.

The Whites are yet to appoint a new head coach but that process is moving forward after the 49ers’ takeover at Elland Road. The next appointment could prove crucial in his future.

READ MORE: Vincent Kompany’s first 365 days at Burnley in memorable turnaround year and Premier League momentum

To get the inside track on the Burnley target, we spoke to Leeds Live’s Leeds United reporter, Beren Cross, for more insight on the defender.

How has Cody Drameh performed for Leeds United when he has featured for the Whites?

Drameh hasn’t actually had too many opportunities with the Leeds first team. When he has played he’s been steady but didn’t quite look ready for the Premier League at the time.

Evidently, he has been far more assured in his loan spells in the Championship. With the under-21s it has been plain to see his class in one vs one defending and tackling. Attacking is possibly where he needs to see the most improvement going forward.

What are his main attributes?

He is a better defender than an attacker but that side of his game has been teased out at Kenilworth Road with Luton Town. One-vs-one he has looked very good defending his own box.

How beneficial have the loan spells at Cardiff and Luton been to his development and do Leeds see a future for him at Elland Road?

Immensely. Drameh would become Cardiff’s player of the year with less than half a campaign behind him, while he became a fixture in Luton’s march to promotion via the play-offs.

While Leeds may have been guilty of overlooking him in the top flight, there is no doubt they will look to use him in the Championship next season. However, with one year left on his contract, they risk losing him for nothing next summer unless they can convince him to sign new terms this year.

With speculation surrounding his future, if he were to move to Burnley, how ready do you feel he is for Premier League football?

Well, put it this way: the Championship does not seem to be a massive challenge for him. The top flight has to be the next step and while his brief experiences with Leeds have not been outstanding, he has never been given the chance to play 15, 20, 30 times on a consistent basis to find his level. I think he would be an excellent prospect for bottom-half Premier League sides.

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