Leeds United

Leeds United: Robinson urges Targett move amid Junior Firpo concerns

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Pundit and former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes the Whites signing Matt Targett would be a significant improvement on what they already have available to them, as he criticised the performances of summer arrival Junior Firpo.

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In terms of left-backs, Jesse Marsch can currently call upon Junior Firpo or Stuart Dallas. However, the former has had a mixed spell at the club so far and struggled with injuries, while the latter suffered a broken leg against Manchester City at the weekend in a 4-0 defeat.

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson suggested the Elland Road outfit should make a move for Targett, with the Whites having been linked with the 26-year-old. He said: “I think the left-back position is an area they need to address.

“Stuart Dallas, for me, is more effective in other positions across the field and you can benefit more from his leadership and experience there. It’s just not worked out for Junior Firpo.

“Whether he comes back next season, hits the ground running and comes back as a different player remains to be seen, but this season, his defensive capabilities have been exposed.

“Leeds have conceded far too many goals down the left-hand side, his mistakes [that] have led to goals have been poor, and if they are to develop a side, Targett is a player that is at a level who’d improved upon what you’ve got.”

TIF Thoughts on Targett and Firpo…

Targett’s stock has risen considerably over the past few months. The former Southampton man made the move to Newcastle United on loan from Aston Villa, and has been crucial to the Magpies’ resurgence – appearing in all but one Premier League game since the switch.

He appears to have settled well in the north-east, but given the funds available to the club’s new owners, they may well look to sign a more glamorous player in his position during the summer, even if they do have what has been labelled as a “broad agreement” to sign him for £15m once the campaign is over.

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For Leeds, he could be exactly what they are looking for – a solid, reliable player who knows the Premier League inside-out, having already made over 100 appearances in the competition across three different clubs. Unfortunately, the situation may already be out of their hands, but that does not mean it is still not worth pursuing.

With the club having the leakiest defence in the Premier League following their weekend drubbing, reinforcements at the back could be wise this summer – and Firpo could well be a victim of their inability to keep things tight, considering Liam Cooper can help shore things up if he stays fit next term, while the likes of youngsters Pascal Struijk and Charlie Cresswell have more time on their side to improve in the other areas of defence.

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