The left-back issue at Leeds United has been a talking point amongst the Elland Road faithful for a long time and it’s an area Victor Orta will be targeting in the summer.
Despite the fact that Leeds’ league status is in doubt, the sporting director will be keeping an eye on a number of players as the season comes to a close. We know the Spaniard likes to get things done early, so it would not be surprising to see one or two players lined up before the season ends.
Junior Firpo has improved under Gracia, but he’s been a disappointing addition overall. If he can keep up his form for a longer period of time, the former Barcelona player’s signing could be justified.
Nonetheless, with Pascal Struijk and Max Wober as the club’s other options, another left-back is a requirement for the board. MOT Leeds News looks at three players Orta could be interested in heading into the off-season.
*Kieran Tierney
*Milos Kerkez
*Raphaël Guerreiro
Kieran Tierney is a name that has recently emerged. The Whites are thought to be one of several Premier League clubs interested in the Arsenal left-back (90min, 8 March). Since the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko, the Scotland international has been a bit-part player and may be looking to move elsewhere in search of more game time.
Alkmaar AZ Milos Kerkez was a January target for the Whites, and the 19-year-old could be a summer option for Orta. The teenager would be an excellent addition to Leeds’ growing pool of young talent.
TalkSPORT reported on Twitter (5 January) that the Hungary international was being watched by Leicester, Bournemouth, and Leeds. He is thought to be worth around £15 million. With Firpo’s form improving, bringing in a younger player could be an interesting move by the board. Longer-term competition for the left-back position is needed.
Raphaël Guerreiro
Leeds may have missed out on this one, but there is still interest. According to the German newspaper Rurh Nachrichten (19 March), the 29-year-old is close to signing a new contract with Borussia Dortmund.
The Portuguese international was regarded as the Whites’ “ideal fit” ahead of the January transfer window (TEAMtalk, 26 November).
If he doesn’t sign a new contract, there’s a chance Orta will swoop in at the end of the season; he’s a big fan.
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