Leeds United have their sights set on promotion back to the Premier League and have already started planning to bolster the backline ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the latest reports.
The Whites are in tremendous form under head coach Daniel Farke, who is chasing a third promotion of his career. The Yorkshire outfit are unbeaten in 2024 in all competitions and are currently on an eight-game winning streak in the Championship.
This excellent spell of results has lifted Farke’s side into the automatic promotion places, with a massive fixture against Leicester City still to come on Friday night at home. A victory against the Foxes at Elland Road would take Leeds to within six points of the title, setting up a tasty end to the season in England’s second tier.
However, off the pitch, the club are working hard to identify players that fit Farke’s system in preparation for the summer market. According to a new report from Graeme Bailey with HITC, Leeds United are keen to sign Udinese wingback Festy Ebosele over the coming months.
Ebosele played across two seasons with Derby County, primarily under former Birmingham City boss Wayne Rooney, and made 41 appearances in all competitions for the Rams before eventually making the jump to Italy.
"This is the finish of the night!" 👏
Come for Festy Ebosele's fantastic finish, stay for the acrobatic celebration! 🤸♂️ pic.twitter.com/6WWA9cI8T0
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 8, 2022
Now, with the Serie A club, the Republic of Ireland international has become a squad player but has certainly impressed at times with the Bianconeri, leaving a good impression on suitors in England. Furthermore, his displays in Udine have bumped his market value up to £8.5 million, as per the CIES Football Observatory.
Nevertheless, HITC are also reporting that Leeds are not the only English side keeping tabs on Ebosele’s progress on the continent as Champions League chasers Tottenham Hotspur are also in the running, having previously landed Destiny Udogie from Udinese.
Writer’s View
Leeds United confirmed the signing of Connor Roberts on loan during the winter transfer window but no option to buy has been placed in the agreement. With the Welshman returning to Burnley at the end of the season and Archie Gray heavily linked with a move away, perhaps Farke is eyeing up a possible replacement at right-back.
However, Ebosele works best as a wingback due to his unbelievable speed on the flanks, but he can play as a natural fullback on either side too, offering the head coach flexibility if hit with an injury crisis in defence.
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