Right-back targeted by Leeds to replace Archie Gray has already picked his next club

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Leeds United are in the market for a new right-back after losing Archie Gray to Tottenham, but one player they had identified as an option has already picked his next club.

The loss of Gray to Tottenham for a £40m fee has seen Leeds become incredibly light on the right side of the defence. Connor Roberts has returned to Burnley after a brief stint at Elland Road on loan last term.

Jamie Shackleton meanwhile, has gone to Sheffield United on a free transfer. Right now, only Sam Byram is a possible option in the Leeds first team and Daniel Farke is well aware of his proneness to injuries.

Leeds need a new right-back even if Roberts ends up returning to Elland Road, something which Graham Smyth thinks both Burnley and Roberts would be open to. One player identified is Mali’s Falaye Sacko.

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Leeds are considering Montpellier and Mali star Sacko

Sacko was linked with Leeds over the weekend in African media. The Montpellier defender lost his place in the Ligue 1 club’s side after representing Mali at the African Cup of Nations and is keen on a transfer.

The report said that he has an offer from Russian side Khimki, who have just been promoted to the top tier of Russian football. But, that he had interest from Leeds, Crystal Palace and other European sides.

Now, Foot Mercato deliver a new update. They say that the 42-time Mali star will leave Montpellier this summer after two seasons at the club, but it won’t be to Leeds and instead, to an unnamed Russian side.

Sacko is a good player, but there are doubts over a move

It is unclear what kind of price Montpellier would want for Sacko. While they signed him for around £1m from Portuguese side Vitoria, he is now 29. Even though he would be cheap, his resale value is small.

Leeds will have some cash to spend after the sale of Gray, Marc Roca and other permanent exits this summer. Sacko is a solid player but the feeling should be at Leeds that they can do a whole lot better.

Roberts, for example. A player that knows Ethan Ampadu, Dan James and Joe Rodon well, but also the whole Leeds squad. A right-back that knows the Championship well, he should be top of the Leeds list.