Journalist Graham Smyth has shared how close he believes Connor Roberts could be to signing for Leeds United right now after speaking to people around the club and close to the right-back.
Connor Roberts had an interesting loan spell at Elland Road during the second-half of last season, showing glimpses of being a really shrewd addition in the wake of Djed Spence seeing his own loan cut short. However, he was never quite able to push ahead of Archie Gray in the pecking order.
But with Gray leaving, there is a void for Leeds to fill at right-back this summer – and it appeared that the £2.5 million Burnley man was a contender to fill that void. Leeds were reportedly looking to sign Roberts permanently.
Smyth himself over the weekend suggested that Roberts would probably jump at the chance to sign for Leeds permanently, with Burnley well-stocked in that position. He also noted that the Clarets may not be looking for a huge sum for the 28-year-old.
What people at Leeds are suggesting about potential Connor Roberts move
But speaking on Inside Elland Road, Smyth suggested that Leeds fans should probably not expect Roberts to be the club’s next signing, with little happening behind the scenes right now.
“Having spoken to a couple of people close to the club and close to the player, it doesn’t sound like anything’s imminent right now. Now, you have to caveat everything in the transfer window with subject to change because who knows, Scott Parker might actually decide no, he can go, but as it stands right now, there’s nothing imminent for Connor Roberts at Leeds United,” he said.
An option who ticks many of the boxes
It makes sense for Leeds to consider other right-back options in this window, with Smyth noting that Roberts was not able to force his way in front of Gray – who is not naturally a right-back, of course.
And perhaps the club may feel that they can secure a better signing by looking elsewhere, but it is hard to have many complaints if Leeds end up with Roberts in the ranks at the start of the new season.
He obviously knows the likes of Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu extremely well, and he is no stranger to getting promoted out of the Championship, so he does tick a lot of boxes.
But clearly, Leeds are keeping their options open right now.
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