James Justin first emerged as a target for Leeds United prior to James Hill, but the Leicester City and Bournemouth defenders are both in the final years of their respective deals.
A two-sided full-back, James Justin is the right profile for Leeds United in that sense. Leeds United News revealed exclusively that the Leicester City’s Justin is on Leeds’ radar and it’s fair to say Justin arguably needs a fresh start by leaving Leicester.
It’s been claimed that Justin and Leeds are closing in on an agreement with our reveal that Justin’s mentality is to become a Leeds starter as well. However, the spanner in the works, which has currently put this deal on hold, is that Justin was struck by injury for Leicester.
Everton also wanted Justin for £6 million earlier in the window and Leeds fans like the idea of Justin, given his versatility and the fact he is a two-footed full-back who can feature at right-back and left-back.
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Leeds’ verdict on James Justin and James Hill
The injury has cast doubt over Justin’s deal to Leeds, despite the reported advanced talks. It perhaps explained why Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam revealed Leeds are interested in signing James Hill from Bournemouth.
There were once reports which claimed Bielsa wanted Hill for Leeds at one stage. Yesterday, Andoni Iraola confirmed Hill’s Bournemouth future is uncertain. It could be a situation Leeds now take advantage of.
Bournemouth fans don’t want to lose Hill, with the 23-year-old also versatile. Like Justin, he can feature as a right-back. However, his secondary position as a utility player is as more of a central defender than in any other wide roles like Justin.
It has left fans confused as to whether Justin and Hill are both on Leeds’ transfer wishlist ahead of deadline day, or if it is simply a one or the other type of situation where Hill is Justin’s alternative, irrespective of differences in profile.
Most are perhaps speculating that it is the case that the Hill links emerged as a result of Justin’s injury talk. However, following the news that it is just a dead leg for Justin from Marti Cifuentes, could it be that both are to be signed?
Leeds have already brought in three defenders this summer via Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, and Gabriel Gudmundsson. Whether there is room for both is certainly questionable.
Zinny Boswell of Sky Sports has revealed the latest to clear up the situation. He has explained that Hill is seen as more of an option for Leeds in the full-back position than as a centre-back, even with that being his primary position.
He adds that Justin is still a player that Leeds are interested in after his injury complicated talks with Leicester. However, they have other targets outside of the pair. Per this update, it appears it will be just one of the two, or neither if they move onto other options.
Daniel Farke’s recent comments on the full-back position
This follows on from Daniel Farke stating his desire for a full-back and playmaker ahead of deadline day in nine days’ time. It looks like just two more additions are to be added to the nine so far.
He said: “We are quite open and honest about this. I don’t speak about names and about any rumours. But we’ve spoken about it.
“In the full-back position, we could need an addition. And we have also spoken before these signings, anyhow, that we would strengthen our offence. Yeah, let’s see if we do.”
Later in the press conference, Farke reiterated that stance. He added: “It’s good that we have major parts or most of our business already done — and we can lean back a little bit and relax a bit more. Right now, we’re in a good position.
“I’m not too strong with my thoughts about numbers. I think it’s necessary to do something on the full-back position.”
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