Leeds should be on red alert with ‘fantastic’ Celtic star now available on a free, Fabio Cannavaro wants him

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Another new year, and the need for a left-back at Leeds United remains. This time though, it is not because the current option is injured or struggling for form.

In the past, Leeds have had to replace Laurens De Bock because he was simply not good enough. Then a left-back was needed because injuries had got the better of Barry Douglas, or Gjanni Alioski had left.

The need for a left-back has been a constant at Elland Road, ever since Charlie Taylor left for Burnley and with the January window now open, that need is starting to return despite the form of Junior Firpo.

Bought from Barcelona in 2021, Firpo struggled in his first two years. But relegation saw Firpo allowed to play to his strengths under Daniel Farke and over the last 18 months, the defender has starred for Leeds.

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Leeds will now have to consider replacing Junior Firpo

But The Dominican Republic star is in the final six months of his contract. Even if Leeds get promoted, the chances are Firpo could still leave Leeds with Spanish clubs always liked with a move for the flying star.

Leeds need a contingency plan for Firpo in case he does leave, which looks a real possibility. One player Leeds should consider is Celtic star Greg Taylor after he entered the last six months of his deal, as well.

Celtic want to hand Taylor a new contract, but the Scotland star is now available to be approached on a pre-contract arrangement. According to 67 Hail Hail, Fabio Cannavaro’s Dinamo Zagreb are interested.

Why Taylor is the perfect replacement for Firpo, on a free

Leeds could go and sign an up-and-coming left-back but if Firpo does leave, they will need a player that can come in an hit the ground running. At 26, and four games shy of 200 for Celtic, Taylor is just that.

An international with Champions League experience and the know how of dealing with an expectant Parkhead crowd, the “fantastic” left-back has the aggression and technical abilities to come down south.

Whether Taylor will want to remain at Celtic is as yet unclear, given Celtic could make an ambitious move to re-sign Kieran Tierney. But surely, if they are looking for a left-back, Taylor on a free will be considered.