Leeds United are reportedly preparing an offer to sign PSV Eindhoven defender Philipp Max, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb.
The lowdown: Left back crisis
The Whites are currently dealing with yet another problem position caused by injuries after Junior Firpo joined Stuart Dallas on the long-term absentee list during pre-season.
Both senior left-back options are expected to miss the opening weeks of the season and this week Leeds sanctioned the sale of youngster Leif Davis to Ipswich Town.
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As such, the Elland Road ranks are currently bereft of an option to start against Wolves, with only 18-year-old Leo Hjelde in the squad as a natural in the position, an issue that Victor Orta could be set to delve into the market to rectify...
The latest: Max wanted
As per Tuttomercatoweb, Leeds are understood to be readying an offer to sign the three-cap Germany international.
It's claimed that the Yorkshire outfit have 'decided' to make an €8million (£6.7million) bid in an attempt to sign the former Bayern Munich youngster.
The report states that Leeds have 'targeted' Max - who was hailed as 'outstanding' following his instant impact in Holland by Dutch football expert Michael Bell - in order to bolster Jesse Marsch's ranks.
The verdict: Shrewd move
Holding a market value of £7.2million and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), signing Max for anything close to the mooted offer would be a superb piece of business from Leeds.
Albeit perhaps somewhat of a knee-jerk reaction to the current injury issues, the experienced German would provide an upgrade on Firpo, who struggled for consistency during 2021/22 having arrived from Barcelona last summer.
The 25-year-old only contributed to one goal in 27 outings, meanwhile, Max scored twice and provided six assists for PSV last term, earning a 6.78 Sofascore rating whilst winning 3.3 duels, making 1.3 key passes and taking 1 shot on average per game in the Eredivisie - outlining a proficiency in both attack and defence.
That form, combined with 275 domestic appearances during an impressive career to date, would make the marauding full-back a smart addition to Marsch's squad and one that the Elland Road hierarchy should be pushing to get over the line.