If Junior Firpo leaves, Leeds should make move to sign Chelsea defender who could be set for exit

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Junior Firpo is continuing to be linked with a Leeds United exit in the upcoming January window.

It was reported by the Spanish press last week that Real Betis are looking to re-sign the 27-year-old and reunite him with former Leeds teammate Marc Roca.

And it has again been suggested today that Betis will make a loan with an option-to-buy offer for Firpo, who is reportedly keen on leaving Elland Road, as per Foot Mercato.

That is despite Firpo himself saying the opposite and that he is happy at Leeds after finally recovering from injury and making his first start of the season at Rotherham United last Friday.

However, Betis is where Firpo played the best football of his career and so it would not be a surprise if he did depart. If he does, the perfect option could be available from Chelsea in January.

Maatsen could be perfect for Leeds

According to the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea are open to offers for left-back Ian Maatsen when the window re-opens following his lack of game time this season.

Maatsen was the subject of an offer worth in excess of £30 million from Burnley in the summer, but opted to stay at Chelsea and fight for his place.

That is a decision which has ultimately back fired, and while Leeds will not have the finances to pay anywhere near that sort of cash, a loan with an obligation to buy upon promotion could be perfect.

Maatsen proved himself in the Championship as part of Burnley’s title winning squad last season, and could provide Leeds with the extra added bit of quality they need.

Burnley are likely to be there again for his signature, but it wouldn’t be wrong to say Leeds arguably have a better chance of being in the Premier League than them next season.