One of Leeds United’s priorities this summer will be to get the club’s defence to a Premier League level. One that has a fighting chance of keeping out the best players in England’s top tier.
Looking at the current side, Joe Rodon fits the bill. There are doubts regarding the defensive qualities of Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo – with the latter now expected to leave Leeds in the coming weeks.
But more pressing, will be the need to bring in a centre-back that can go alongside Rodon. One that Leeds can trust to remain fit all season, something which Pascal Struijk has been unable to do recently.
Udinese’s Jaka Bijol has emerged as a leading target for The Whites this weekend, with the chances are he leaves Udinese this summer. But another defender on the Leeds radar is now a target for Sunderland.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty ImagesSunderland table £4.25m bid for Leeds target Modibo Sagnan
Montpellier have suffered relegation from Ligue 1 this season but one rare shining light in the French side’s team was Modibo Sagnan. The 26-year-old has spent the last 18 months with Montpellier.
A four-time Mali international that boasts a glittering CV including Real Sociedad, Lens and FC Utrecht. Clearly, a player willing to move country to play his football – scoring five goals in 41 Montpellier games.
It has been reported that Leeds wanted to sign Sagnan before the club were confirmed as promoted. Now, Africa Foot say Leeds remain keen but fellow promoted side Sunderland have made a £4.25m bid.
Photo by SYLVAIN THOMAS/AFP via Getty ImagesWhich other clubs are interested in signing Montpellier’s Sagnan?
It’s not just Leeds and Sunderland interested in Sagnan, even if the defender is said to prefer a move to the Premier League this summer. Lens are keen to keep Sagnan in Ligue 1 come the start of next season.
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There is also interest from Serie A. Given Sagnan has not actually played in Italy either – but having done so in France, Spain and The Netherlands – a move to Italy could also tempt the Montpellier defender.
But Sunderland have certainly stolen a march on the other clubs and given Regis Le Bris is in charge, having a French manager in charge will surely tempt the French-born defender in the coming weeks.