Leeds United eyeing right-back with 14 caps after sending scouts to watch him in South Africa

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Leeds United are eyeing a deal to sign a South African defender this summer after sending scouts to watch the right-back shine in his home country in recent months.

Since the play-off final, Leeds have lost Connor Roberts and Joe Rodon. Jamie Shackleton’s contract is due to expire at the end of the month despite being in talks over a deal and it’s the same for Liam Cooper.

Leeds require defensive reinforcements both at right-back and to replace Rodon, as The 49ers look to sell big and bring in replacements without breaking the bank and the latest target comes from South Africa.

It is claimed that Leeds are interested in signing 14-time South African right-back Khuliso Mudau, with the 29-year-old impressing in his home country with 2023-24 League champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

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Leeds want to sign right-back from South African champions

Mudau has spent the last four seasons with Sundowns and is now considered one of the best defenders in his country, and certainly the best right-back. SNL24 state that has attracted the attention of Leeds.

French side Lens, who were in last season’s Champions League, are also interested while Burnley are said to have shown interest when in the Premier League, before suffering relegation to the Championship.

Sources state that Leeds have made an enquiry to land the right-back from Sundowns and it is also said Leeds scouts have gone out to South Africa to watch the defender on a number of different occasions.

What Mudau’s agent has said about interest from Leeds

The report also says that his agent was asked about possible interest from Leeds, but Steve Kapeluschnik chose to keep his cards close to his chest: “There has been interest in him but that is all I can say.”

There is no doubt that Leeds need a new right-back even after agreeing a new one-year deal with Sam Byram. Archie Gray is going to move into midfield at some point and a replacement is now required.

But a player close to his 30th birthday, that has less than 200 professional appearances to his name and never even set foot into European football is not the answer. Mudau is not the long-term solution.