Leeds United confirmed they were in talks with Junior Firpo over a new deal in their retained list over the weekend but as every day goes by, Firpo is edging towards the exit door.
It is less than six weeks between now and the end of his contract, with Firpo able to speak to other clubs about a free transfer. Reports say that those at Leeds are ‘widely anticipating’ Firpo to leave this summer.
The new-look transfer team of Adam Underwood, Alex Davies and The 49ers will have already drawn up a shortlist of players who can replace Firpo and one of those is Liverpool left-back Konstantinos Tsimikas.
The 40-time Greece international could be available this summer having spent his entire Liverpool spell as back-up to Andy Robertson. Well, Liverpool are looking to bring in a left-back of their own this summer.
Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Why Andoni Iraola decision is key in Leeds pursuit of Tsimikas
Liverpool have identified the man they want to sign on the left side of defence. A summer of change at full-back for The Reds, with Trent Alexander-Arnold departing and Jeremie Frimpong set to sign on.
On the left, Robertson’s form is diminishing and Liverpool are targeting a move for £45m Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez. Leeds were actually linked with Kerkez before his move to The Vitality Stadium.
Well, the Hungary ace has sparkled for Bournemouth and Liverpool are keen to land the former Milan and AZ Alkmaar star. The Daily Mail says a move for Kerkez leaves Tsimikas’ future at Liverpool as ‘uncertain’.
Leeds then, can benefit from Iraola sanctioning a move for Kerkez to Liverpool – it pushes Tsimikas closer to the exit door and would finally allow Leeds to bring in a replacement for Firpo on the left of defence.
Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Where Leeds stand in deal for Konstantinos Tsimikas this summer
The 29-year-old has spent five years at Liverpool but remarkably, the Premier League champion has only ever managed 65 Premier League appearances for The Reds. Tsimikas has two years left on his contract.
So, there is the likelihood that Tsimikas will want to leave Liverpool and The Reds are looking to improve in that position. Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that there is interest in Tsimikas from Leeds.
It remains unclear if Leeds will be able to afford Tsimikas, with Bailey informing us he would likely be the highest-paid player at Leeds if he joins on his current Liverpool wage. But Iraola helps Leeds get him.