Leeds United are expected to bring in a new left-back this summer with Junior Firpo’s contract still due to expire at the end of the season – and so far, six left-sided defenders have been touted.
Leeds said in their retained list that the club are in talks with Firpo over a new deal. The former Barcelona star told Paraag Marathe to hand him a new deal – but it is now ‘widely anticipated’ that Firpo departs.
Even if Firpo remains, Leeds may need cover. Sam Byram is also expected to leave with his contract set to expire, Max Wober is likely to depart and Isaac Schmidt says he is now open to offers regarding his future.
So, Leeds need reinforcements on the left flank and below are the six left-backs that have been linked with a move to Elland Road so far, including a Premier League champion, and two soon-to-be free agents.
The six left-backs linked with Leeds United move this summer
Matt Targett (Newcastle)
Targett was linked with a move to Leeds in January, having fallen behind Lewis Hall at Newcastle. A year remains on the £15m star’s deal and Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Targett is on the list.
But MLS clubs are also said to be an option for Targett this summer. Whether he still warrants a Premier League club remains to be seen but at this stage in his career, Targett needs a move and has to start.
Zaidu Sanusi (Porto)
Slightly bizarre reports from Africa suggested Porto’s Sanusi had agreed a four-year deal with Leeds, even before the club had secured promotion. Certainly, Sanusi is expected to be on the move in the summer.
However, Sanusi has since rubbished those reports of a move to Leeds. That does not rule out though, that Leeds have interest in the Porto man and it remains to be seen if Sanusi could emerge as a target.
Ben Davies (Tottenham)
Davies is one of two players set to become a free agent this summer. There are murmurs that Davies has an extension clause in his Tottenham deal but that is yet to be signed and the Wales skipper could depart.
Former Swansea man Davies has been a long-term target for Leeds given the amount of Welsh players at Elland Road. Whether he remains at Spurs or not is unclear, but if he does leave, Leeds have every chance.
Hugo Bueno (Wolves)
The Spanish left-back has enjoyed an excellent season on loan at Feyenoord from Wolves. Feyenoord want to sign Bueno permanently, but Leeds are also interested in raiding rivals Wolves for Bueno.
However, Leeds may find an obstacle in pursuit of Bueno and it comes in the form of a Manchester City juggernaut. City want first-choice Wolves ace Rayan Ait-Nouri and Wolves may choose to keep Bueno.
Aaron Cresswell (West Ham)
West Ham have confirmed the departures of four elder players in the form of Vladimir Coufal, Lukasz Fabianski, Danny Ings and Aaron Cresswell. The left-back ends an 11-year stint with the London side.
Reports say that Wrexham are eyeing an ambitious move for the three-time England man, but that Leeds are also considering Cresswell as a squad option. Cresswell may join alongside another left-back signing.
Konstantinos Tsimikas (Liverpool)
Tsimikas seems to be the one that Leeds are linked with most. Just this week, Tsimikas’ brother dropped a hint on his future with Leeds eyeing a £15m move for the Premier League champion in the summer.
However, there are two obstacles to a move. Atletico Madrid and Juventus will provide competition for Tsimikas, while Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News he would likely be Leeds’ highest-paid player.
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