Leeds have made another transfer blunder as promotion rivals make Tuesday announcement – opinion

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Leeds United were among the sides keen on landing Ryan Manning on a free transfer this summer.

According to various reports, the Whites had earmarked him as a potential target at left back, a position in which they remain in desperate need of strengthening.

Manning was a free agent having opted against signing a new deal at Swansea City and at 27, is now entering the prime of his career.

He was one of, if not the best performer in his position last season having scored five goals and registered 10 assists, some hugely impressive numbers particularly given where he plays.

However, despite almost a month’s worth of speculation, Leeds have been beaten to the punch by fellow relegated side Southampton, who confirmed his arrival on a four-year-deal yesterday.

Southampton beat Leeds to Manning, a potentially huge error

Manning was at Southampton’s training ground on Tuesday in order to finalise a reunion with his former Swansea boss Russell Martin.

This is simply yet another target Leeds have missed out on in what has been an extremely lacklustre start to the window, with no new signings yet in place.

Given the cost of the transfer and potential output he could’ve brought, there was no better option at this level in his position than Manning, but Leeds just haven’t acted quick enough.

Leeds have already lost out to Leicester City in the race for Harry Winks, and also face missing out on the likes of Gustavo Hamer and Joel Piroe if they continue to operate at this current pace.

Not only would Manning have saved money to spend on other positions, but he would’ve also represented a significant upgrade on what Leeds currently have. It is time to get a move on.