Leeds United ‘offered the chance’ to sign ex-Arsenal defender Maitland-Niles
There remains a distinct possibility Leeds United will sign a new full-back before the transfer window closes on September 1. It is an area of the squad where the Whites lack a little strength in depth.
Boss Daniel Farke currently has three senior players vying for the two full-back positions in Jayden Bogle, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sam Byram. It would appear that Isaac Schmidt is on his way out of Elland Road, with the Switzerland international heavily linked with a loan switch to Werder Bremen.
Bogle and Gudmundsson are likely to be Farke’s first-choice options. Both have got to prove their worth at Premier League level. Given Byram will turn 32 in September and his injury track record, it is unrealistic to expect him to be fit and available for selection every week.
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More cover is needed at the back and United are said to be weighing up the chance to sign Lyon defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The Whites have already signed a player from the Ligue 1 club since securing promotion back to the Premier League, capturing goalkeeper Lucas Perri in a deal worth a reported £15.6m.
Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey claims the Whites are contemplating making a move for former Arsenal man Maitland-Niles. “Leeds are one of the teams who have been offered him,” said Bailey. “He’s available, intermediaries doing the work, he’s been pushed to a few clubs. What I can say, is he does want to come back to England.”
Maitland-Niles has enjoyed something of a nomadic career since progressing through the ranks at Arsenal. The former England international has taken in loan spells at Ipswich Town, West Bromwich Albion, Roma and Southampton before making a permanent move to Lyon in summer 2023. The 27-year-old has resurrected his career in France, playing 73 times for Lyon in the past two years. Maitland-Niles, who is capable of covering at left-back or in midfield, has caught the eye for the French club at right-back.
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Leicester City defender James Justin is also reportedly on United’s transfer radar ahead of the new season. Justin has entered the final 12 months of his Foxes contract, meaning he could be available for a cut-price deal.
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