Leeds United have been linked with a move for out of contract Swansea City left back Ryan Manning this summer.
The Whites have reportedly earmarked Manning as a potential target once the window opens regardless of the division they find themselves playing in.
Manning is set to leave Swansea next month with the 26-year-old not having signed a new deal to remain in South Wales.
The former Queens Park Rangers man enjoyed a superb campaign for the Swans, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists from left back.
Why Manning would be perfect for Leeds
It has been a long, long time since Leeds possessed a reliable, out and out left back.
Stuart Dallas has arguably been Leeds’ best performer in that role in recent seasons, but even then it was never his natural position.
Junior Firpo was expected to be that man when he arrived from Barcelona two years ago but his signing has been a disaster and it would be a surprise if he didn’t move on this summer.
Firpo has struggled with fitness during his time at Elland Road but that would be no such issue if Manning makes the move to West Yorkshire, having missed just eight matches across the last three seasons due to injury.
His potential signing should be a sign of what is to come in the transfer market if Leeds are relegated, as it is likely they will have money to spend with plenty of outgoings expected.
Leeds must flex their financial muscle and be aggressive in their approach to the market by looking to pick off other Championship clubs’ best players.
The league is arguably as weak as it has ever been financially and Leeds will need to take advantage of that after accumulating three years of Premier League revenue.
It will also be important for Leeds to get back to becoming the best in the division in possession, like under Marcelo Bielsa.
Manning would suit that perfectly having spent two years working under Russell Martin, a coach extremely focused on setting up his side to dominate the ball.
Free transfer, good pedigree, no brainer.