Leeds United transfer news: Strong Chris Mepham from Bournemouth update, Vincent Kompany to let Connor Roberts leave Burnley
Leeds United “really like” Chris Mepham as they look to add in defence after seeing Luke Ayling depart, according to Ben Jacobs.
The journalist told GiveMeSport on 12 January that Burnley’s Connor Roberts is also of interest and is available to leave Turf Moor, but suggested that the primary option for Daniel Farke is the Cherries man.
Ayling left for Middlesbrough on 10 January, in a loan move which will see out his Elland Road contract, ending seven-and-a-half years as a fixture in the Whites line-up after 268 appearances, to seemingly make right-back a January priority with Djed Spence’s loan from Tottenham also having been terminated early.
Jacobs said: “Luke Ayling’s departure to Middlesborough was quite emotional. It’s a loan, but once it ends so does Ayling’s Leeds contract so he’s played his final game for the club after almost eight years. He’s been brilliant for Leeds.
“Daniel Farke and Leeds are hoping to bring in a right-back. They really like Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham. Burnley’s Connor Roberts has been mentioned as well. Vincent Kompany is happy to let him go since he hasn’t started since October.”
Out of favour
Mepham has also seen his playing time drop significantly, between this season and last, having only made five Premier League appearances for Andoni Iraola this term after playing 26 times in the top flight a year ago.
The Welsh international is primarily a centre-back though which looks to be a position that is well covered at Elland Road, unless the apparent disconnect behind the scenes with Charlie Cresswell [Yorkshire Evening Post, 12 January] cannot be repaired.
Roberts would clearly make more sense as an actual full-back, and despite starting eight of the first nine top flight matches for the Clarets has lost his place so could be up for moving.
Leeds United are clearly quite enamoured with Welshmen this season, and after the success they have had since signing Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea and bringing Joe Rodon in on loan from Spurs it isn’t too difficult to see why.
If one or both of the Whites stars’ out-of-favour favour international teammates were to come in before the transfer deadline there would be some familiarity for them straight away.
Left-back seemed to be the most obvious position of need before Farke decided to lose both Spence and Ayling in quick succession, and with yet another Wales international in Neco Williams liked at Nottingham Forest there is a clear pattern emerging.
The task of landing him seems a lot harder so an alternative target needs to be sourced quickly, but with Ampadu having dropped back into defence for the FA Cup win over Peterborough it looks like Farke might be trying to build a Welsh wall for a backline.
In other Leeds United news, a player the Whites want to sign has rejected interest from transfer rivals.