Connor Roberts really wants Leeds United return if out at Burnley as Jayden Bogle pursuit emerges
Connor Roberts would “really like” to return to Leeds United this summer if he is out of favour at Burnley, according to Adam Pope.
The BBC Leeds journalist said on Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet on 15 July that the Welsh international would be very interested in coming back to Elland Road after spending the second half of last season on loan under Daniel Farke.
But the Whites are now “definitely” looking at Sheffield United’s Jayden Bogle with a move set to be made for him [Mike McGrath, 13 July].
Pope said: “Incoming, I was looking at Connor Roberts who as I understand it would really like to come to Leeds if there is no future for him at Burnley, and now they’re in the same division anyway I know which club I’d prefer.
“I really like Connor Roberts as well, I think he’s got a really good Leeds mentality, I think he’s got aggression, I think he bought into it. A little bit of injury just stopped him from pushing and getting a few more minutes… and obviously Archie [Gray] is brilliant.
“But Jayden Bogle’s being looked at now, they’re definitely interested in him at Sheffield United who can play down that side and is another young guy, played loads of Championship games.”
Leeds United now interested in Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United
Farke could very well need to sign two right-backs this summer unless he adds at least one on the left since he has just Sam Byram and Junior Firpo covering both sides of the back line as things stand.
The pair alternated on the left last season but both carry extensive injury histories and Firpo is reportedly being sold this summer [Daily Mail, 1 July].
Gray has been sold to Tottenham, Roberts is currently back at Turf Moor, and Jamie Shackleton has gone to Sheffield United after his contract expired.
So there would be some logic in pushing to do a deal for Bogle and still attempting to bring Roberts back in some fashion.
But whether the transfer budget can stretch to that with more work to be done elsewhere remains to be seen.
A quarter of Gray’s £40m fee went on bringing Joe Rodon the other direction and more cash is coming in for Glen Kamara imminently [L’Equipe, 13 July] but the 49ers are expected to be signing a direct replacement in midfield [Leeds All Over, 13 July].
Roberts made 15 appearances last term largely off the bench but had also fallen down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany, so much will depend on what new boss Scott Parker plans for him.
In other Leeds United news, a senior Elland Road ace is ready to take less money to sign elsewhere.
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