Leeds United and Everton want to add defender to their Premier League squad after free agency announcement

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Leeds United will need to spend big to stand any chance of Premier League survival this summer but a few bargains here or there won’t go amiss either, with a free agent on the radar.

There is no doubt that Leeds will spend big to improve the overall quality of the starting XI. But in terms of improving the strength in depth in Daniel Farke’s squad, Leeds may need a few bargains, or a loan.

That, or bringing in free agents. There are going to be a whole heap of players out of contract in the next few weeks – with three falling into that category at Leeds; Josuha Guilavogui, Sam Byram and Junior Firpo.

With Byram and Firpo set to leave as things stand, Leeds will need to not only sign a new starting left-back but also the cover behind Jayden Bogle and Firpo. A West Ham ace has now emerged on the radar.

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Leeds interested in signing West Ham veteran Vladimir Coufal

After five years and 177 appearances for West Ham, Czech Republic star Vladimir Coufal has confirmed he is leaving the London Stadium this summer. His contract is set to expire in six weeks, on June 30.

Considered a bit of an icon at West Ham for his performances on the right flank and part of the Europa Conference League-winning side, Coufal is now 32 and looking for one last stint in the Premier League.

According to TalkSPORT, Coufal has asked his agent and former Reading star Stephen Hunt to find him a new Premier League team. Leeds and Angus Kinnear’s new side Everton want Coufal on a free transfer.

With Coufal a target, what’s the latest on Byram and Firpo

Leeds are not particularly well-stocked at full-back anyway, with Isaac Schmidt often used out wide and not trusted defensively by Daniel Farke. Byram says he would love to stay, but reports say Byram will go.

Largie Ramazani is keen for Firpo to stay put and having had a few drinks, Firpo told Paraag Marathe to put a contract in front of him. But reports say Firpo is ‘close’ to joining his boyhood club Real Betis.

Losing both Byram and Firpo means Leeds have reduced their full-back contingent by half and will need two or three additions in these areas this summer. Coufal offers excellent cover on both sides of defence.