Leeds United are closing in on their first signing of the January transfer window and could be ready to announce a deal before the weekend, as The Whites enter a final round of talks.
Daniel Farke has hinted that a new signing was imminent, telling reporters on Monday evening that there might be some news regarding additions on his phone having focused on preparation to take on Burnley.
Leeds have been linked with plenty of new players in the last few days, including England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danilo Barbosa and Kelechi Iheanacho. But Leeds are now close to another.
Leeds United set to sign Newcastle United’s Matt Targett
Earlier this week, reports said Leeds had made an enquiry to sign Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett. It was unclear if a move would take place this month, or if it was to replace Junior Firpo in the summer.
Firpo remains out of contract in June and the chances are, the Dominican Republic international will be leaving the club. But while Firpo remains, the need for a left-back does not seem particularly great.
However, Leeds are set to sign Targett. The Northern Echo report that Leeds are closing in on the signing of Targett from Newcastle on a permanent basis with a final round of talks scheduled in due course.
Indeed, the report claims that Leeds are confident of agreeing a deal and could announce the signing of the left-back before the weekend. Newcastle are unwilling to hand him a new a contract and want to sell.
Matt Targett move surely means Leeds open to Junior Firpo sale
Farke said he wanted three signings – a new striker, no.10 and a centre-back. So a move for Targett has come out of the blue and is somewhat surprising, given Leeds have Firpo, Sam Byram and Max Wober.
But all three are somewhat injury prone and both Byram and Firpo are out of contract in the summer. Now, with Leeds set to sign Targett, surely it means Leeds are open to cashing in on Firpo this month.
Real Betis are ‘leading’ the charge to sign Firpo, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Besiktas have shown an interest in landing Firpo. Perhaps, with Targett due to sign in the coming days, Firpo could leave Leeds.
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