Leeds United’s hunt for more full-back cover looks set to extend into the final day of the transfer window.
Daniel Farke has been keen to add to his options for a number of weeks now and Bournemouth’s Max Aarons is someone who has emerged onto the radar.
Leeds came close to signing Aarons 12 months ago until an 11th hour hijack by the Cherries, but he has struggled for both form and fitness since his move.
As a result, Bournemouth are prepared to let Aarons go but only for a big fee, which Leeds clearly aren’t willing to pay given he would be coming in as competition.
With that in mind, a deal has been rated as ‘unlikely’ for the former Norwich City star, unless Bournemouth soften their stance on a loan deal.
Leeds should move for Aarons’ former teammate Jamal Lewis
While clearly Aarons would be a very good signing at this level, for the balance of the squad, a left-footed left-back would be better.
Sam Byram is very much capable of covering both sides but by bringing in a proper left-back, it will allow him to only play on his natural side whenever Jayden Bogle is unavailable.
Full-back was among the very best parts of Farke’s Championship winning team with Norwich, but Aarons was only 50 per cent of that.
On the other flank was Jamal Lewis, who has somewhat lost his way a bit since leaving the Canaries for Newcastle United in a deal worth £15 million.
Eddie Howe has admitted Lewis could leave St. James’ Park before the deadline and this feels like a move which would make sense for a lot of reasons.
Lewis is quite clearly a very capable player at this level and enjoyed a decent time of it on loan at Watford last season, making 38 appearances.
However, it was under Farke at Norwich where he played his best football and a reunion could be what he needs to get his confidence back on track.
He is the perfect sort of player needed to come in and provide cover for Junior Firpo, as there wouldn’t be too much of a drop off if a change had to be made.
Lewis is out of contract next summer and so could be available for a relatively cut-price fee, but failing that, Leeds should try tempt Newcastle with a loan move.
Leeds have Isaac Schmidt on the radar
Leeds are likely to be scouring the market for several potential full-back options before tomorrow’s 11pm deadline and St Gallen FC’s Isaac Schmidt is one who has come onto the radar.
Schmidt now reportedly features high up on Leeds’ list of targets for that position, with the 49ers willing to pay £1 million.
Similarly to Lewis, this is a signing that would make sense as it provides cover in a position that needs it, for a cheap fee.
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