Leeds made £2.5m bid for central defender compared to Jerome Boateng this summer

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The middle of Leeds United’s defence looked like it would be an area that required strengthening at the beginning of the window but now, it looks like one of Daniel Farke’s strongest positions.

Following defeat to Southampton, it looked as if Joe Rodon would join a Premier League club while Liam Cooper would go, leaving only an injured Pascal Struijk and Charlie Cresswell, and skipper Ethan Ampadu.

But fast forward until now and Leeds are well-stocked at centre-back, despite the exits of both Cresswell and Cooper. Rodon has signed permanently at Elland Road, while Struijk has returned from his injury.

What has come as a surprise is the return of Max Wober when it was expected the Austrian would go. James Debayo has impressed during pre-season, featuring in all three pre-season friendlies so far.

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Leeds United had been interested in signing Nigerian player

It might have been the reason then that at the start of the window, Leeds were looking to sign a centre-back. One player linked with Leeds was Jordan Torunarigha, a Nigeria international starring in Belgium.

Indeed, Torunarigha has impressed at Gent but is now in the final year of his contract. Tutto Mercato Web now say Leeds tabled a bid worth £2.5m for Torunarigha, but it was rejected with Gent requesting £4.5m.

Since then, Serie A side Monza have become interested with Alessandro Nesta looking to improve his new side. West Ham and Crystal Palace are also suggested as suitors in the report from the Italian site.

Jordan Torunarigha likened to Bayern icon Jerome Boateng

Before Gent, Torunarigha had impressed in Germany with Hertha Berlin and his manager at the time, Pal Dardai, was a big fan. He even compared Torunarigha, now 26, to that of Bayern legend Jerome Boateng.

As per All Football, he said Torunarigha’s style and long-raking passes with his left foot reminded him of the Germany icon: “Jordan can become a player like him [Boateng]. His playing style reminds me of him.”

The chances of Leeds going back in for a left-footed centre-back are unlikely. Farke now has Wober and Struijk to choose from, and it is likely that a left-back will be Farke’s priority throughout August.