Leeds United’s interest in Leicester City full-back James Justin remains, and there have been developments regarding his situation.
Leeds United have Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson as their primary full-backs but a two-sided full-back like James Justin is the right profile to add depth and quality to the backline.
In recent weeks, it has been claimed that Justin and Leeds are closing in on an agreement. Following that, our revelation is that Justin’s view is to become a Leeds starter over the likes of Bogle or Gudmundsson on one of the flanks, too.
At one stage of the window, Everton also wanted Justin for £6 million. However, it appears the Whites are the favourites to land him. Leeds fans like the idea of Justin, given his versatility and the fact he can operate at right-back and left-back.
Leicester City's James Justin and Bilal El Khannouss embrace
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
James Justin’s Leicester future in further doubt amid Leeds interest
Leeds United News revealed exclusively that the Leicester City’s Justin was on Leeds’ radar first. He is in the last year of his contract after six years with the Foxes, which is a market opportunity Leeds have frequently visited under the 49ers.
After six up and down years with the club, Justin arguably needs a fresh start by leaving Leicester. However, just as a deal was accelerating, Justin was struck by injury for Leicester in their 2-1 defeat to Preston North End.
Since then, Marti Cifuentes confirmed it was just a dead leg for Justin. He also added that he was likely to be involved in the matchday squad against Charlton Athletic today.
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It’s not a complicated injury and heals swiftly, but Justin has now been left out of the lineup for Leicester against Nathan Jones’ Charlton side ahead of the lunchtime kick-off this afternoon.
Following the injury now being cleared up, it surely means a switch to Leeds is imminent for the 27-year-old full-back. James Hill is the Justin alternative if a Leeds move falls through, but leaving him out for any reason other than a transfer seems strange.
James Justin of Leicester City
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Micah Richards’ view of Leeds target James Justin
Micah Richards once described Leicester’s Justin as ‘brilliant’. Speaking via Sky Sports in 2021, he said: “He’s been absolutely brilliant.
“I think he’s been one of the best full-backs in the league this season. He’s got absolutely everything. He can play left-back, he can read the game, he can go forward, and he can defend.
“He can run. He’s an athlete, isn’t he?
“The thing I like about him, when he gets in the positions, a lot of full-backs rush their pass, but he has patience when he gets in there; he’s got composure, he can see a pass.”