Connor Roberts update emerges at Elland Road as Leeds United transfer news drops
Burnley defender Connor Roberts is open to a move to Leeds United in the January transfer window, according to Graham Smyth.
The journalist shared an update on Leeds’ search for a new full-back in an article for the Yorkshire Evening Post‘s online edition [9 January].
Roberts was recently touted as a possible signing this month after struggling for minutes at Burnley since their promotion to the Premier League.
Smyth wrote: “The YEP understands Connor Roberts’ style and athleticism has been long-admired at Elland Road, and it is thought the player would welcome being reunited with international teammates Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James, but there is currently nothing imminent in the works with regards to a move for the right-back.
“Roberts is currently behind Vitinho in the pecking order at Turf Moor, but the Clarets are not blessed with huge strength in depth themselves at right-back and are thought to be unlikely to part with the ex-Swansea City man unless they strengthen the area.”
Half the battle
There is no doubt that Leeds could do with bringing in another full-back this window, even more so if Luke Ayling or Junior Firpo depart Elland Road.
Djed Spence was surprisingly sent back to Tottenham last week, while Sam Byram, Firpo, Jamie Shackleton and Ayling have each struggled for fitness.
Archie Gray deserves huge credit for shifting from midfield to right-back for the majority of the season, but Leeds would benefit from bringing in another player.
Roberts ticks plenty of boxes and boasts Premier League and international experience. Indeed, the latter may just help Leeds in their attempts to land the defender as he is close friends with Wales team-mates Rodon, Ampadu and James.
As Smyth points out, however, Burnley are only likely to offload Roberts if they first bring in a replacement, and that is easier said than done in the January window.
It sounds as though the player is open to a move, but unfortunately that is only half the battle.
In other Leeds United news, Rio Ferdinand has predicted the result of this weekend’s “big game” with Cardiff City.