Graham Smyth responds when asked if Leeds United will sign Owen Wijndal

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Ajax left-back Owen Wijndal has been linked with a move to Leeds United before Friday’s 11pm deadline and Graham Smyth has now delivered an update on a potential move for the defender.

Leeds are in the market for a new left-back, with Junior Firpo the only recognised left-footed left-back in Daniel Farke’s squad. Of course, Sam Byram can play on the left, as can Pascal Struijk and Max Wober.

But Byram is right-footed and both Wober and Struijk are naturally, better in the middle of the defense. Byram is injury prone, Struijk is first choice alongside Joe Rodon and Wober could still join Gladbach.

Leeds are expected to try and make two or three new signings before the deadline and one of those is a full-back, alongside a midfielder and another attacker, one that could possibly play in the no.10 role.

• READ MORE: Leeds expected to complete seventh signing in the next few hours

Smyth says there is nothing in a deal for left-back Wijndal

Reports emerged this week that Leeds were interested in signing Netherlands international Wijndal from Ajax. The left-back has fallen out of favour with Ajax manager Francesco Farioli and can leave the club.

Wijndal is even said to be keen on a move to Leeds, with Ajax desperate to wipe out Wijndal’s £40k-a-week packet from the wage bill. But Graham Smyth told a Leeds fan on X that there is nothing in the links.

He said: “Nothing in it, I’m told,” when asked about Wijndal by a Leeds supporter.

Leeds right not to make Wijndal move despite player’s quality

There is no doubt that he is a top player. Wijndal himself said he is the best left-back in the Eredivisie, a few years back. Tottenham were in talks for Wijndal in 2022, when Gretar Steinsson was at Tottenham.

But Wijndal is earning a massive wage at Ajax, taking home £40,000 a week. While there are likely to be some players on big wages even after relegation pay cuts, Leeds can’t afford that in the second tier.

It will be interesting to see who Leeds try to bring in, in the next 48 hours. But, a move for Wijndal now seems unlikely with Smyth ruling it out and Leeds not actually linked with a specific left-back of late.