There’s plenty of talent in the French top flight, and these three could definitely do a job at Elland Road.
Leeds manager Garry Monk
With the summer fast approaching, Leeds United fans will be keen to see what players they will be chasing, irrespective of what division the Whites will find themselves in next year.
Leeds are currently 4th in the Championship and are on course for a play-off spot, but even if they fail to win promotion, the French top flight – Ligue 1 – has players that are both affordable and of the ilk required to succeed at Elland Road. Here are three of them.
Julio Tavares
Given that Marcus Antonsson has largely flopped since signing for Leeds, it’s highly likely that manager Garry Monk will be in the market for a striker, and could do a lot worse than move for Dijon forward Tavares. The 28-year-old currently has nine goals and three assists in 27 Ligue 1 matches, and is the main reason why Dijon aren’t currently in the relegation zone. Tavares’ contract is up at the end of next year, according to Transfermarkt, and if Dijon are to be relegated, then Tavares would almost certainly be on his way out – and could provide brilliant back-up for Chris Wood.
General view inside the stadium before the game – Elland Road
Tobias Badila
With Charlie Taylor’s situation at Leeds ongoing, and seemingly dependent on promotion, it’s fair to say Monk’s already started looking at left backs elsewhere. The Leeds boss may even have Badila in his eyesight, as the 23-year-old full back has been exemplary in an otherwise shocking AS Nancy Lorraine side, to the point where he could be seen as an outside bet for team of the year. As it stands, Nancy are in the relegation zone, and Badila will almost definitely be on the move if they stay there come the season’s end. Like Tavares, Badila’s contract expires next summer as well, according to Transfermarkt, so a cut-price deal could even be possible for what looks to be a big talent.
Modou Diagne
While Leeds’ centre back situation is looking pretty strong with Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson leading the way, it wouldn’t hurt to sign someone else as additional cover – especially if Leeds get promoted. Should the Whites turn their attention to 23-year-old Diagne, also at Nancy, then it would be far from a bad move. The powerhouse defender has impressed this campaign despite Nancy’s struggles, and could be on his way out if the team are to be relegated. Even though signing a centre back isn’t a pressing issue for Leeds, Diagne would be a useful acquisition all the same.
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