Ethan Ampadu’s old side now front runners to sign left-back on Leeds radar with talks ongoing

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Leeds United are expected to add a new left-back before the end of the month with a lack of cover for Junior Firpo apparent at Elland Road, but one option is now likely to join Ethan Ampadu’s old side.

Leeds chose to retain Sam Byram by offering him a new deal and tried to keep Jamie Shackleton in the summer, but he joined Sheffield United. Jayden Bogle was then signed from Shackleton’s new outfit.

Joining Shackleton in going includes Luke Ayling, Rasmus Kristensen, Archie Gray and Connor Roberts in one way or another. It gives Leeds a starting option in Bogle, and cover in the form of injury-prone Byram.

But Byram, who is renowned for his hamstring injuries, is currently providing cover on the left, too. Leeds lack another body at left-back, if left-footed defenders Pascal Struijk and Max Wober are not considered.

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Leeds have been linked with Milan star Fode Ballo-Toure

Plenty of options have been linked with Leeds this summer. Anselmo MacNulty at PEC Zwolle is one that is constantly being circled among the Leeds radar, while Wolves defender Hugo Bueno is another linked.

The Spaniard though, is set for a move to Feyenoord in the next few days and no movement has been made in regards to a move for MacNulty. Another player linked with Leeds is Milan’s Fode Ballo-Toure.

The 27-year-old spent last season on loan at Fulham but struggled and he has since been training with the reserves. Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently said that Ballo-Toure has no future at Milan, with Leeds keen.

Ampadu’s old side Venezia in talks to sign Ballo-Toure

Newly-promoted Serie A side Venezia are interested in signing Ballo-Toure, according to Milan Live. A team that boasted Ampadu during the 2021-22 season, in which Venezia suffered relegation to Serie B.

But they are back in the top tier and want to raid Milan for Ballo-Toure, who has already rejected a move to Besiktas. Leeds and Watford are said to be the two trying to lure him to England for a second time.

It looks as if though, with Venezia in active talks, that Ampadu’s old side are now leading the race to sign the unwanted Milan defender. A loan is likely and it is claimed Milan would have to cover some wages.