Leeds can sign ideal Junior Firpo replacement for just £4m, they need to muscle Celtic aside

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Celtic are reportedly keen on raiding Portuguese side Estoril for left-back Tiago Araujo but he could be the ideal replacement for Junior Firpo at Leeds United in January, for a bargain fee of just £4m.

Araujo, 22, has excellent in Portugal’s top tier since leaving Benfica for Estoril. The Portugal U21 star has mostly played as a left-back for Estoril, but also as a winger. This term, he’s played 16 times for Estoril.

He has had a hand in five goals, scoring twice and laying on three assists. The Telegraph say that Celtic are interested in a move to land Araujo, and they can get the versatile left-sided flyer for a bargain £4m.

Leeds have always had issues on the left side of the defence. Really, ever since Charlie Taylor left Leeds. Gjanni Alioski, Laurens De Bock, Barry Douglas and of course, Firpo have been signed to solve the issue.

Celtic target Tiago Araujo could be ideal for Leeds United

But Alioski was not a natural left-back, Douglas was injury prone and the least said about De Bock the better. Firpo remains at the club – but Foot Mercato say he is keen to leave the club, Betis interested.

Firpo then could end up leaving in that would leave Leeds with Sam Byram as the only option on the left side of the defence, even though he is naturally a right-footed player – and of course, injury prone.

So, Leeds do need to consider bringing in a left-sided defender. Araujo might be the perfect buy given his potential, and his bargain price tag. But, if Leeds move – they’d need to elbow Celtic out of the way.