Leeds United told £15m defender might prefer move to Elland Road over Archie Gray’s Tottenham

Leeds United are already being linked with new left-sided defenders ahead of the January window with Junior Firpo’s long-term future in doubt – and one player could be tempted by a move.

Out of contract next summer, Firpo will be allowed to talk to non-English sides on a pre-contract from the 1st of January. It would see him agree to join a new club on a free, but at the end of the current season.

The chances are that won’t happen, with Firpo likely to want to see if Leeds get promoted before making a decision. But, Leeds are compiling a list of possible replacements to come in for Firpo if he does go.

One left-back to be linked with Leeds is Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin, though Sunderland have made giving Cirkin a new deal a priority. A Sunderland expert told us Cirkin could cost as much as £15m in January.

Carlton Palmer thinks Leeds have a chance of Archie Brown deal

Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News this week that Leeds are also in the mix to sign Archie Brown from Belgian side Gent. The left-back is also said to have admirers from Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham.

Former Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer discussed the links for the £15m-rated left-back. He told FLW Brown might be more tempted to join Leeds over the likes of Spurs, if Leeds are in the Premier League.

“It would be a coup for them if they could pull it off and the fact that they could offer him first-team football now and the way they’re going now, they will hopefully see it over the line and get promotion.

“He’ll have more chance of playing in Leeds United’s first-team than he would with Tottenham, West Ham and Chelsea. It would be a massive coup for Leeds United, but we’ll have to wait and see,” Brown said.

Comparing Archie Brown, Junior Firpo and Dennis Cirkin

A difficult comparison given all three have played at different levels. Firpo has of course, played at the highest level with Barcelona in the Champions League, and is a player currently playing for his country.

Obviously, keeping Firpo at Elland Road will be The 49ers’ first port of call. But if Leeds fail to go up, or if Firpo decides to leave whatever division Leeds find themselves in, then Leeds will have to replace him.

Judging by the stats, Brown and Cirkin are on a similar playing field. They’re likely to cost similar amounts, too. Leeds have every chance of signing one of them should they get promoted, and Sunderland don’t.