Leeds United are interested in making a move for PSV Eindhoven defender Philipp Max in the January transfer window, despite originally being in the market for a youngster at left-back.
The Lowdown: Leeds in need of a left-back
The Whites are edging towards a return to action, with the 2022 World Cup now at the semi-finals stage and Premier League football almost upon us again.
New signings are paramount for Leeds, in order to keep improving, and left-back is an area of the pitch that has felt lacking at Elland Road for a while.
Junior Firpo has not impressed in the role since joining from Barcelona, also suffering with injuries, while the likes of Stuart Dallas and Pascal Struijk are only auxiliary options there.
Phil Hay reported recently that Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani will seek young left-back options in the winter window, but it looks as though that plan has now changed towards a more senior option.
The Latest: Max on the agenda
According to Football Insider, Leeds are 'plotting' the potential signing of Max in January, a 29-year-old who has won three caps for Germany.
The report claims Leeds now want someone who can go straight into the team as a regular starter next month and they believe the PSV man could do exactly that.
His club are also facing financial difficulties, meaning Max, on £30,000-a-week, could be put up for sale.
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The Verdict: Could be an ideal solution
Max could be a really shrewd signing by Leeds next month, bringing with him a wealth of experience but not yet being over the hill as a footballer.
He has chipped in with two assists in the Eredivisie this season, as well as averaging 1.4 tackles per game, and he could be an upgrade on Firpo, solving a weakness in the team in the process.
Max's current PSV deal expires in 2024, meaning they could be keen to sell him quickly before his price plummets, which could further boost Leeds' chances.