Leeds United fans who were keeping a close eye on the teamsheets for today’s pre-season friendlies will have noticed the absence of one of their side’s reported transfer targets.
Daniel Farke remains in the hunt to strengthen several key positions in the Leeds squad, having watched his side secure a 1-1 draw against Villarreal.
Although Joel Piroe scored another goal, Leeds are on the hunt for another striker, with reports in France linking them with a move for Arnaud Kalimuendo of Stade Rennais.
With Leeds also in the market for a full-back and a winger, the Leicester City pair of £8 million man James Justin and Bilal El Khannouss have both been named as potential targets to join Farke’s newly-promoted side.
Now, the squad for Leicester’s final pre-season friendly may offer a clue over the pair’s future, as Justin missed the game.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty ImagesJames Justin misses pre-season friendly amid Leeds United links
Leeds are reportedly targeting Justin to bolster their options at full-back with uncertainty over the future of Isaac Schmidt.
Leicester took on Fiorentina in their final pre-season friendly ahead of the new Championship season, but Justin was left out of the squad as the Foxes secured a 2-0 win.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
There was no mention of an injury to the full-back in the team announcement, and Justin was interviewed in Leicester’s preview of the game, as he reflected on their pre-season, stating: “We’re ready to get back to work. It’s trying to get that togetherness building within the group and getting the intensity back. That’s a big one for us.”
Leicester boss Marti Cifuentes elected to use Luke Thomas and Hamza Choudhury as his starting full-backs in a move which is certain to further fuel speculation over Justin’s future at the club.
Bilal El Khannouss stars for Leicester City
While Justin missed the game against the Serie A giants, £24.5 million man El Khannouss started in the number 10 role in the victory.
He started the game in lively fashion, firing over the bar after 10 minutes before laying on an assist for Jordan Ayew as the Foxes took the lead.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
El Khannouss played a total of 81 minutes, with three shots, two chances created and 55 touches in total according to the Fotmob stats from the game.
Although El Khannouss’ appearance does not rule him out of a move away from the club, it potentially says more about Justin’s future, as the Foxes prepare for a raid on their top talent.