‘Concrete target’… Leeds have now ‘turned their attention’ to 28-year-old after missing out on £16m player

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Leeds United are yet to make any real progress in their search for a new right-back this month.

The Whites are in the market for one having lost both Djed Spence and Luke Ayling earlier in the window, but at this stage, do not appear close to bringing in a replacement.

The Premier League loan market is where Leeds are putting the majority of their focus, as they bide their time before the right one becomes available.

£16 million man Neco Williams had been Leeds’ first choice target this month but Nottingham Forest are said to have made it abundantly clear that he will be going no where as he is a key part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans.

Now according to Ben Jacobs, who was speaking to Give Me Sport, Leeds have recognised they will be unable to sign Williams and so are now set to switch their attention towards Burnley’s Connor Roberts.

Leeds turn attention to Roberts

He said: “I think Leeds will be busy and extremely opportunistic because they know that some targets they like will not be available unless there are movements at other clubs. That’s kind of the challenge of the winter market.

“Williams has been admired long-term by Leeds because they looked at him in the summer of 2023. But he’s unavailable, and Leeds know that, so he can be ruled out. Nuno Espirito Santo has now said that on record, but it’s clear from Forest that Williams is unavailable.

“That led Leeds to turn their attention to another Welsh full-back in Burnley’s Roberts because he has not started a game since October. He remains a concrete target.”

Roberts is someone that has been mentioned throughout the window, but given this deal looks considerably easier to do than both Williams and Ben Johnson, it is likely he is not first choice.

The 28-year-old is said to be open to a move to Elland Road and linking up with some of his Wales international teammates, while Burnley are also willing to listen to offers.

With Williams seemingly impossible and Johnson also looking quite difficult at this stage, it may be time for Leeds to make their move and bring Roberts to West Yorkshire.