Leeds United have been offered Olympique Lyonnais star Maxwel Cornet, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
The Lowdown: Leeds United look ahead to 2021/22
As the Whites aim to get their ducks in a row ahead of the 2021/22 season, there has been much discussion surrounding their potential transfer activity at left-back.
Though Marco Bielsa has not yet ventured into the current transfer window, the Elland Road side have been linked with moves for Adama Traore and Borna Barisic respectively, while left-backs Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski could both leave.
However, it now seems that a new potential signing could be on the horizon in the form of the 24-year-old Ivorian.
The Latest: Cornet offered to Leeds
Leeds United are said to have been offered the chance to sign Cornet as they step up their hunt for a left-sided defender [Mirror].
Some reports have suggested that the versatile ace could be available for around £20 million, a fee which the Whites are currently not willing to pay [Mirror].
Cornet actually made his name as a winger before moving to a left-back position this season, so he appears to be a perfect like for like replacement for Alioski.
The Verdict: Cornet would be a shrewd addition
Fundamentally, signing someone of Cornet’s quality could be a real coup for the Whites as they look towards the new season, providing they can negotiate the fee down to something they are happier with.
Posing an intense attacking threat, the Ivory Coast internationalist has scored 51 goals and laid on a further 29 assists in 251 games for Lyon [Transfermarkt].
While many of those came during his time further up the pitch, he still supplied 10 goal contributions in 39 games across all competitions this season playing mostly in defence; four goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].
As Bielsa’s men look to improve upon a solid 9th placed Premier League finish last year, bringing in someone with Cornet's end product could considerably enhance the quality of their high-octane brand of football.
Leeds United should be pulling out all the stops to get the deal over the line.
In other news, Real Madrid are said to be eyeing up a key Leeds United man.