Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has tipped the club to make a 'vitally important' signing at left-back this summer.

It looks almost certain that Ezgjan Alioski will leave the Whites at the end of the season, with recent reports even claiming he has agreed to join Galatasaray.

That would mean Marcelo Bielsa is short in the left-back area, as the Leeds boss looks to strengthen his squad ahead of next season.

It is imperative that the Argentine doesn't rest on his laurels and fail to improve in key areas, as the Whites look to become an established Premier League outfit again.

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Whelan believes a new left-back will join

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said DoF Victor Orta will 'definitely' sign an out-and-out left-back this summer, especially assuming Alioski moves on:

"Yes. I didn’t think he was going to be staying anyway.

"Whether they put an offer on the table or not, he was going to be third, fourth choice from next season. We’re definitely going out there to get a natural left-back, there’s no doubt about that.

"We can’t keep putting round pegs in square holes in that position because it’s vitally important. We know how we use the wing-backs to get forward, with Kalvin Phillips giving us that security.

"That’s one side I felt that the club had to go forward with. They need a real quality, left wing-back on board. Someone to compliment defenders that we’ve already brought in. Also, the other players that we’re going to look to bring in.

"I don’t think it’d be a waste of money keeping him but there’s no friends in football. Sentiment goes out the window. He’s surplus to requirements next season because we need a better player in that position."

Transfer Tavern take

It makes complete sense for Leeds to bring in an experienced, top-quality left-back, filling the void left by Alioski and hopefully even upgrading on the 29-year-old.

In Leif Davis, Bielsa has an exciting young player to call upon, but he isn't yet ready to be starting games at the top level every week.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting young player this summer. Read about it here.