Leeds United want defender linked to Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United this summer
Leeds United are targeting Borussia Monchengladbach’s left-back Luca Netz for a return to the Premier League, according to GiveMeSport.
The outlet reported via their website on 11 March that Daniel Farke is “likely” to be in the market at the position this summer as the left of the defence has been a “problem” this term, so the German and his recruitment team have been looking at his 20-year-old compatriot.
However it could be a difficult move to complete with a trio of English giants also interested in the youngster, as Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United scouts have reportedly also having been looking at him.
Sam Byram spent most of the season as the regular starter at left-back, but Junior Firpo has returned from months out injured to deliver some of his best form at Elland Road in recent weeks.
Luca Netz targeted by Daniel Farke for Leeds United
Every transfer window Leeds United eye up left-backs and one way or another they manage to come out of it without signing one.
Byram’s free transfer return to Elland Road in the summer was originally as a right-sided full-back, so it was a measure of the uncertain picture at the back that Leo Hjelde started the Championship opener before giving way to the injury-prone 30-year-old.
Jamie Shackleton has also filled in during injury issues, of which there have been plenty, although the emergence of Firpo as a key man in 2024 has again raised hopes that he has finally found his feet at Leeds United.
The 27-year-old bounced back from a difficult start at Sheffield Wednesday to deliver an outstanding assist which changed the game on Friday night (8 March), but has had numerous fitness set backs since arriving from Barcelona.
So while at present it might be a stretch to call left-back a problem position for the Whites it wouldn’t be a shock if they did seek a new option.
For a player his age Netz has extensive Bundesliga experience, with 77 league appearances in the German top flight, and if Farke needs an inside line to him he could use current loanee Max Wober, whose own future is up in the air still.
In other Leeds United news, the EFL want to impose a punishment on Leicester City before the end of the season as Phil Hay has issued an “inconceivable” reaction.
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