Leeds now eyeing £15m defender who's "likely" to leave his club this summer
da betano casino： Leeds United are now eyeing a move for an “outstanding” defender who has just been given the green light to leave his current club this summer, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
Whites eyeing defenders amid promotion push
da doce： Of course, the type of summer transfer window Leeds will have is heavily dependent on whether they are able to clinch promotion from the Championship, with the race for the automatic spots hotting up in recent weeks.
After just one win in their last four matches, the Whites are now only two points clear of third-place Burnley, so a return to the Premier League is by no means a guarantee, despite topping the table for quite some time, although they remain in a strong position.
If Daniel Farke’s side do manage to end their two-year hiatus from the top flight, the manager may have to upgrade his defence, and they are ready to pursue Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Nico Elvedi, who is able to play at both centre-back and left-back.
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It could be a busy summer if the Whites go up.
A move for Elvedi could kill two birds with one stone, given the Swiss defender’s versatility, however, there have also been suggestions Farke could make a move for an out-and-out left-back.
In an interview with Leeds United News, Bailey has revealed Leeds hold an interest in Newcastle United’s Matt Targett, who has been given the green light to exit St. James’ Park this summer, three years after arriving from Aston Villa in a £15m deal.
Bailey said: “Matt Targett remains an interesting option for a number of clubs. He is more than likely to leave Newcastle this summer. Newcastle won’t stand in his way. There are options for him in America, but he is someone who Leeds have looked at.”
Leeds United’s upcoming Championship fixtures
Date
Swansea City (h)
March 29th
Luton Town (a)
April 5th
Middlesbrough (a)
April 8th
Preston North End (h)
April 12th
Oxford United (a)
April 18th
"Outstanding" Targett needs summer move
Newcastle have undergone a huge transformation under Eddie Howe, turning into a side pushing for the Champions League, having previously been involved in relegation dogfights, meaning Targett has started to play a more sporadic role.
Although the left-back was lauded as “outstanding” by Howe not long after signing for the club, he has since fallen down the pecking order, making just four appearances in all competitions this season, so it is clear he needs to move on this summer.
If Leeds seal promotion from the Championship, it is important to bring in players with Premier League experience, if they are to avoid instantly dropping back down, and the 29-year-old certainly fits the bill in that regard, having made 163 top-flight appearances.
As such, while Targett wouldn’t be the flashiest of signings, he could be a solid addition to Farke’s backline this summer, capable of pushing Junior Firpo for a starting spot at left-back.