Wayne Rooney plays major role as Leeds United move for new defender
Leeds United have Wayne Rooney to thank as they consider a winter transfer move to Bali Mumba at Plymouth Argyle.
The Whites sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in action as Argyle beat Brentford 1-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday (11 January), according to LeedsUnited.news.
He has, therefore, emerged as an option for Leeds in the January transfer window, with the Elland Road outfit potentially making an offer for the full-back, although Daniel Farke has poured cold water on significant transfer activity this month.
Leeds United have Wayne Rooney to thank for Bali Mumba
Rooney is no longer with the Pilgrims as he was sacked as their manager on 31 December, but Leeds United may still have to thank him if they pursue their interest in Mumba.
When Rooney took the reins at Plymouth ahead of the 2024-25 season, there were question marks about how the former Norwich ace would fit into the Manchester United legend’s plans.
With defending not being the South Shields-born player’s strong suit, the manager would have been concerned about using him as a right-back in his normal position.
Nevertheless, he trusted Mumba to hold his own in defence, deploying him at left-back on most occasions in the first half of the season.
Rooney also attempted to make full use of the player’s attacking capabilities, playing on the left side of the attack on multiple occasions, particularly in November and December before being sacked.
In short, the former Derby County manager helped Mumba improve as a player and become good enough to be targeted by Leeds United for the second half of the season.
In other Leeds United news, a Tottenham player has arrived at Thorp Arch in a new transfer update.
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