Leeds United need to start making some headway on incoming targets to avoid a repeat of their start to last season.
Though Leeds have made three new signings in comparison to none at this stage 12 months ago, the squad is undoubtedly weaker now, than how it ended the season.
Leeds have sold Archie Gray to Tottenham and Glen Kamara is expected to follow him as early as today. Wilfried Gnonto is also in talks over a move to Everton.
Loanees Connor Roberts and Jaidon Anthony have returned to their parent clubs, and depth players such as Liam Cooper, Jamie Shackleton and Charlie Cresswell have left, though the offer of a new deal is still on the table for the former.
In terms of their three new additions, Joe Rodon was here last season anyway and Alex Cairns will be third choice goalkeeper. Joe Rothwell is the only fresh face.
Leeds handed boost in Connor Roberts pursuit
Both full-back spots could well be in need of strengthening this summer, but in particular on the right. As mentioned, Gray Roberts and Shackleton have all gone.
Rasmus Kristensen’s future still remains up in the air but even despite the fact he is attracting very little in the way of interest, right-backs do continue to be linked.
Sheffield United’s Jayden Bogle is a player Leeds have a strong interest in, while former loanee Roberts is also on the shortlist of targets.
And according to BBC journalist Adam Pope, Leeds have been given some encouragement in their pursuit of the latter.
Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet Podcast‘, Pope says the 28-year-old who Rodon hailed as ‘brilliant‘ is highly interested in a return to Elland Road.
He said: “Incoming, I was looking at Connor Roberts who as I understand it would really like to come to Leeds if there is no future for him at Burnley, and now they’re in the same division anyway I know which club I’d prefer.
“I really like Connor Roberts as well, I think he’s got a really good Leeds mentality, I think he’s got aggression, I think he bought into it. A little bit of injury just stopped him from pushing and getting a few more minutes… and obviously Archie [Gray] is brilliant.
“But Jayden Bogle’s being looked at now, they’re definitely interested in him at Sheffield United who can play down that side and is another young guy, played loads of Championship games.”
Jayden Bogle would be a better addition than Roberts
Though both players are among the top end of Championship right-backs, Bogle would be a better signing than Roberts this summer.
Bogle is five years younger, yet still has a wealth of experience at this level with over 100 Championship appearances under his belt.
He is also blessed with more pace, and with just a year remaining on his deal at Sheffield United, has a situation that can be taken advantage of.
That said, either player would be a solid addition and hopefully Leeds can get one of them done soon.
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