Leeds United are looking to bring in four more signings at least before the end of the transfer window, with supporters concerned that the club are yet to sign a new striker.
Beren Cross has made it clear that Leeds are looking to sign four players. A new starting striker, a winger to replace Manor Solomon, competition for Brenden Aaronson at no.10, and a new signing at full-back.
Leeds have already handed Sam Byram a new one-year deal and spent £10m on the impressive Gabriel Gudmundsson as a replacement for Junior Firpo. But Isaac Schmidt’s struggles prove Leeds need another.
With Jayden Bogle injured and possibly out for a ‘little while’, Schmidt has deputised against Villarreal and AC Milan. But he’s struggled in both games, and Schmidt is expected to be on his way to Werder Bremen.
Leeds United’s Isaac Schmidt replacement is going nowhere
LeedsUnited.News understands that Leeds would like to sign Leicester’s James Justin as a replacement for Schmidt. It is believed England international Justin would cost Leeds £6m, with Everton also interested.
But on Sunday, Justin was handed the captain’s armband as Leicester came from behind to beat Sheffield Wednesday. Bilal El Khannouss, another Leeds target, laid on two assists as Leicester secured a 2-1 win.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester after the match, Justin sounds as if he is staying put with his focus purely on the season ahead. He talks Leicester’s hopes of promotion and being a part of the leadership group.
“It’s going to be a group effort from all of us in the leadership group. We’ve got a lot of years between us, and people who’ve been promoted from the league before. Hopefully, we know how to get the job done.
“Build that bridge between the dressing room and the management. A good squad, talent everywhere, we will have to use the squad throughout, it’s a long old slog. We’ve got a squad to challenge,” he said.
Which other full-backs are Leeds considering this month?
Justin seems to be enjoying the leadership role he has been bestowed with at Leicester, and his interview suggests he is remaining at Leicester. Schmidt is waiting for a replacement to come in, before leaving.
LeedsUnited.News understands that Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been offered to the club, which would see the England international reunite immediately with goalkeeper Lucas Perri, having joined from Lyon.
Leeds are also said to be in talks with Italy U21 star Mattia Zanotti. Currently playing alongside Gjanni Alioski for Lugano in Switzerland, Zanotti teamed up with Willy Gnonto at the U21 Euros this summer.
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