Leeds United in pursuit of Rangers left-back James Maxwell
Leeds United are in the hunt to sign young Rangers left-back James Maxwell, according to the Mail on Sunday.
The newspaper reported via their print edition on 2 January [page 141] that Maxwell, 20, is among a number of players who the Yorkshire club would like to sign this month.
It is understood that Leeds want a “young left-back” for their Under-23s side, presumably to offer further support for summer signing Junior Firpo, who’s the club’s only out-and-out senior left-back.
Adding depth
Maxwell isn’t likely to be a player who Leeds fans will have heard of.
The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Scottish Championship side Ayr United and while he’s a left-back by trade, he’s been deployed as a left and right-sided winger during his temporary stint.
In his 19 appearances in all competitions for Ayr, Maxwell has scored twice and assisted three goals, showing that he’s a very attack-minded full-back when he’s deployed in his usual role.
Whether or not Leeds can sign Maxwell will depend upon what Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers want to do with the Scotland Under-19 international because Dunfermline manager John Hughes has confirmed his interest in striking a loan deal [The Courier].
Hughes said that while he’s made contact to sign Maxwell on loan, he’s not confident of pulling a deal off for the “quality” talent.
Hughes added: “Another reason for that is he can play in a number of positions — left-back, left wing, wide right — and you’re killing two birds with one stone.
“That’s big for us as well, players that can do that. That way you can narrow down your squad.”
Marcelo Bielsa likes versatile players and Maxwell is bound to be someone who he could call upon in his senior side if he needs a variety of areas covering.
Football Scotland reported on 28 December that Maxwell would be keen on moving to England.
We’ll see how this one pans out but we doubt Rangers will be too receptive to letting Maxwell go unless they need the money to strengthen their first-team and their chances of qualifying for the Champions League group stages by winning the Scottish Premiership.
In other Leeds United news, these two players could be set to leave Elland Road in January and one earns £100,000-a-week.