Leeds ‘sounding out’ new transfer targets at Elland Road

Leeds United are ‘sounding out a few options’ as Jesse Marsch is keen to welcome a new left-back to Elland Road, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Marsch is preparing for his first full season at the helm, having been appointed as Marcelo Bielsa’s successor in February, and has until September 1 to add reinforcements to his squad.

According to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay, Leeds are ‘certainly looking at left-backs’ ahead of the new season getting underway.

Hay suggests Marsch has been impressed with Leif Davis during the Whites’ pre-season tour of Australia, which ended with a 1-1 draw against Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, but the American feels another option is needed.

That is because Leeds are set to be without Junior Firpo, who joined in a £13million deal from Barcelona last summer, for the opening stages of the 2022/23 campaign.

Firpo has been ruled out for eight weeks after picking up an injury during the Whites’ pre-season triumph over Championship side Blackpool, meaning he may not be available until September.

Leo Hjelde is an additional option for Marsch, while the Leeds chief has hinted that Pascal Struijk and Jack Harrison could also fill in at full-back if a fresh face is not lured to Elland Road.

Jones understands Leeds are looking into tempting left-back reinforcements to the club before the September 1 deadline.

However, the transfer insider believes the Whites are hoping to discover a cut-price option rather than spending big.

As a result, he feels Marsch – along with director of football Victor Orta – is scouring the market as the new campaign nears.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “They’re definitely wary of spending too much in that position, so they’ve been sounding out a few options.”

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