Leeds United ‘to replace Junior Firpo’ amid links to ‘Magnificent’ defender
Leeds United do not need to sign Plymouth Argyle defender Bali Mumba in the winter transfer window but may be looking to replace Junio Firpo, according to Carlton Palmer.
The Whites scouts were in attendance to monitor Mumba during Plymouth’s FA Cup win against Brentford (11 January) ahead of a potential move despite Daniel Farke downplaying his side being too heavily involved in the transfer market.
However, ex-Leeds man Palmer agrees with the boss and believes defence is not an area which needs to be strengthened in conversation with Football League World (17 January).
Palmer did, though, acknowledge that the Whites may be keeping an eye on for potential replacements for Firpo, who is out of contract in the summer.
He said: “Leeds already have a versatile full-back who can cover both sides in the form of Isaac Schmidt, so I think this was more just a scouting mission rather than them planning to make a bid for him.
“They may be looking to replace Junior Firpo, but as I say, they have a versatile full-back in that area already.
“I think this is just a case of Leeds having a list of players on their hit list, and I don’t expect Daniel Farke to be doing a lot of business in this January transfer window. It’s not an area that they really need to strengthen.”
Leeds United don’t need to sign Bali Mumba
The Whites are in an interesting position in the transfer window.
With Farke’s men leading the Championship table in January, the West Yorkshire outfit should only target players who have the potential to make the mark in the Premier League.
While Mumba, who Sky Sports presenter Michelle Owen once dubbed as “magnificent” has been capturing the eye with his displays in the second tier this term, his Plymouth side sits at the foot of the league table.
Should the 23-year-old suffer relegation to League One, he will be on his way out of Home Park in the summer and maybe exploring his options before the die is cast.
Leeds will be in the market for another full-back should Firpo complete a highly-anticipated move to Real Betis upon the expiry of his contract [TEAMtalk] but there is no need to jump the gun just yet.
The current crop at Elland Road is more than capable of continuing their stellar form until the end of the season, thus securing Premier League promotion and opening up further possibilities for player recruitment.
Mumba is a name to watch as the winter transfer window rumbles on, but it is unlikely he will play his football in West Yorkshire once the deadline slams shut on 3 February.
However, the possibility cannot be entirely ruled out if he continues his magnificent displays throughout the year.
In other Leeds United news, a move for Emi Buendia is “ideal” for the Whites after recent developments.
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