Junior Firpo’s departure on a free transfer from Leeds United this summer meant Adam Underwood had to dip into the market and sign a new left-back.
After links with plenty of left-sided defenders like Wolves’ Hugo Bueno, Tottenham’s Ben Davies and more, the Whites finally made a move to sign Sweden international Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille.
Gudmundsson has impressed during pre-season, and all the signs suggest that for £10m, Leeds have got themselves a bargain. Leeds still want another full-back and are said to be in talks for James Justin.
Meanwhile, the other club currently in The 49ers’ portfolio are trying to sign a left-back that was actually considered by Leeds. Rangers have already signed Joe Rothwell after his loan spell at Elland Road.
Rangers in transfer battle to sign Aston Villa defender
Under Russell Martin, Rangers have made an up-and-down start to the season. While Leeds are yet to take to the field competitively, Rangers have already played seven games in three different competitions.
Impressing in Champions League qualification, Rangers have drawn their first two league games but did beat Alloa in the Scottish League Cup. Now, The 49ers are keen to sign a new left-back for Martin.
According to Santi Aouna, Rangers want Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno after his loan at Nottingham Forest. In the weird way that football works, Betis are keen to bring him in as back-up to Firpo this summer.
Girona are also in the mix for Moreno, who was linked with a £5m move from Villa to Leeds before the Whites signed Gudmundsson. Clearly, The 49ers like the 32-year-old left-back and want him in Glasgow.
Aouna said: “Priority target for Betis is still Alex Moreno, the left back of Nottingham Forest. Alex Moreno is open to come back in Betis Girona and Glasgow Rangers are also there.”
Alex Moreno v Gabriel Gudmundsson so far, the numbers
Given Moreno has struggled in England since his move to Villa, it is fair to say that Leeds will feel they have got themselves a better option on the left. Not least, because Gudmundsson is a lot younger, too.
Moreno has sparkled in Spain but his move to England has not gone to plan. The lure of a possible Champions League campaign could tempt him, if Rangers beat Club Brugge in the final qualifying round.
Gudmundsson though, is expected to be one of three new signings that will definitely start for Leeds on Monday against Everton alongside Lucas Perri and Anton Stach. Sean Longstaff could also start for Leeds.
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