Leeds United have been joined in the race to sign a left-footed defender by Premier League side Crystal Palace, with the two English clubs part of a four-horse race.
Leeds are likely to be in the market for a new left-sided defender this summer. Liam Cooper was not spotted in the club’s training video uploaded on YouTube, with his contract expiring officially on Sunday.
The club said in the retained list that Leeds were in talks with both captain Cooper and Jamie Shackleton, though the latter is expected to complete a surprise move to Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United on a free.
Cooper’s exit means that Leeds have just Pascal Struijk as a left-sided centre-back. Ethan Ampadu filled in while he was injured last season and although he impressed, he is right footed and balance was affected.
Junior Firpo is ‘expected’ to leave Leeds but even if he stays, there is a lack of cover at left-back. It might explain why Leeds are interested in a deal to sign a German-born Nigeria international this summer.
Leeds joined by Crystal Palace in race for bargain £2m defender
Jordan Torunarigha is not a household name in England just yet. But in Belgian football he is, with the left-footed centre-back has clocking up 104 appearances for Gent in the last two and a half seasons.
The 26-year-old has impressed to the level that has seen him called-up to Nigeria’s National Team of late. Leeds are being linked with a move for Torunarigha, who has entered the final year of his deal at Gent.
Hoffenheim are said to have made a £9m bid for Torunarigha. But now, a report from Bild claims he is available for a much cheaper fee, with Leeds and Palace battling Torino and Hoffenheim to sign him.
What Torunarigha has said about his future amid Leeds links
Represented by the same agency that looks after Robin Koch, Torunarigha is looking more and more likely to be on the move this summer. Especially, after speaking to media about his future in Belgian football.
He said he is “ready” to go amid the links with English, Italian and German clubs. The report also says that he would normally be valued at around £4.25m, but that he is probably available for about half that fee.
Given his comments, his form in Belgium, the fact he is part of Nigeria’s squad now and that he is available for little over £2m, it is more than likely that other clubs join the race to land Torunarigha.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
