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Orta gets his man as Leeds close in on brilliant first summer signing

Leeds director of football Victor Orta is believed to be close to tying up the loose ends on a deal to make Stade Brest defender Romain Perraud their first signing of the summer.

United have just concluded a brilliant first season back in the Premier League securing a ninth-placed finish. That has left fans dreaming of what the club will do in the summer as they look to bridge that gap between themselves and the European places. And the signing of a new left-back and a new top-class midfielder appear top of their wishlist.

As such, it seems the capture of a quality new left-back is drawing closer at Elland Road.

Marcelo Bielsa has consistently deployed Ezgjan Alioski in that position this season. But the North Macedonian international’s contract expires in the summer.

While it’s not been announced if Alioski is staying, all signs do point towards a summer exit in West Yorkshire. Galatasaray are among the clubs to be linked with the popular star, though it was recently claimed a deal had fallen through for three reasons.

Nonetheless, while Marcelo Bielsa would welcome Alioski staying, Leeds have pressed on with their hunt for a specialist left-back.

And according to Football Insider, a deal to bring Perraud to Elland Road is on the verge of being secured.

Citing club sources, they state Leeds are ‘confident of securing his signing’. They add that they expect to seal a deal once the transfer window opens after positive talks over his signing.

Perraud, who it was revealed was a target for Leeds back in February, has enjoyed a brilliant personal season with Brest. The 23-year-old helped the club narrowly avoid relegation from Ligue 1.

But on a personal level, he weighed in with three goals and seven assists from 36 appearances.

Perraud is contracted to Brest until 2025 and is expected to cost in the region of €20m (£17.2m).

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Tyler Roberts tipped to leave Leeds

Tyler Roberts will likely leave this summer in an effort to play more regular football, according to one observer.

The Wales international has endured a stop-start spell since signing for Leeds from West Brom back in January 2018. This season, however, he has fared much better and, having waited for his chance, has muscled his way into Bielsa’s side.

Indeed, Roberts has made 14 starts for Leeds in the Premier League, adding 13 more off the bench.

However, the 13-cap Wales forward’s future remains in some doubt. Roberts’ contract at Elland Road expires in summer 2022 and Leeds are keen to tie him to an extension.

But, according to reports earlier last week, Roberts has turned down the offer to leave his future up for debate.

Now talk of exit is being ramped up and one pundit has backed him to leave.

READ MOREHernandez bares his soul in emotional farwell message to Leeds fans

 

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