Farke ‘would prefer’ a free agent move in the wake of ‘positive news’ at Elland Road.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is looking to bolster his squad despite the fact that a £12 million player is nearing full fitness.
Despite ‘positive news’ on Junior Firpo, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has set his sights on improving his left-back options at Elland Road by acquiring a free agent, writer Ben Jacobs has informed GIVEMESPORT.
The Whites spent more than £30 million on new players during the summer transfer window, but they may have left themselves vulnerable defensively in their pursuit of an immediate return to the Premier League.
Leeds’ most recent news – Junior Firpo
Firpo has given Leeds fans hope that he is close to returning to action after telling the Dominican Republic media outlet Momento Deportivo RD that he is on the approach of a full recovery.
Although the left-back has made 51 appearances for the Whites, contributing six goals in the process, he has been unable to play since the start of the new season last month.
Despite the optimistic update, there are concerns that Firpo could be out for up to another month while he recovers from a knee ligament condition.
The former Spain under-21 international, who has chosen to represent the Dominican Republic at senior level but has yet to win his first cap, has remained at Leeds despite the fact that several European clubs were keen to take advantage of his current club’s relegation to the Championship during the transfer window.
After Ligue 1 club Marseille dropped out of the competition for his signature, Turkish side Galatasaray attempted to take Firpo on loan for the remainder of the season, but a transfer to the Super Lig fell through.
The interest arose after journalist Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT that the full-back would not be missed by Leeds fans if he pursued new opportunities.
However, data show that Firpo, who joined the club for £13 million from Barcelona two years ago, had only three colleagues who averaged more tackles per game in the Premier League last season.
What did Ben Jacobs have to say about Firpo and Leeds’ plans?
Jacobs knows that Leeds are looking for a free agent to challenge Firpo for the left-back position if one becomes available.
But the respected journalist has refused to rule out Farke supporting the £60,000-per-week player if he impresses when he returns from injury.
Who may possibly join Leeds as a free agent?
Ryan Bertrand, who has 19 England caps, has been a free agent since his £80,000-per-week contract at Leicester City expired in the summer, and the Foxes chose not to offer new terms following their relegation from the Premier League.
Although he is someone Leeds could turn to, Farke would have to act quickly because, according to the Daily Record, the ex-Southampton man has been offered to Celtic after manager Brendan Rodgers began looking for left-back reinforcements due to Alexandro Bernabei’s struggles.
Bertrand already has a positive relationship with the Bhoys’ manager, having played 31 games for him at Leicester and Reading.
However, he may be a dangerous signing for Leeds, given he was unable to make a single first-team appearance last season owing to a long-term injury, and his only game time in the entire season came in the shape of an under-21s outing against Manchester United in April.
