Leeds United will aim to replace Ezgjan Alioski with a 'specialist' signing this summer, according to former Whites defender Danny Mills.

Alioski looks increasingly likely to move on from Elland Road at the end of the season, with his contract expiring once the 2020/21 campaign reaches its conclusion.

The 29-year-old has been a Leeds player since 2017 after joining from Lugano, making 161 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and registering 16 assists along the way.

Alioski tipped to be replace by Bielsa

With Alioski seemingly in his final few months as a Leeds player, however, Bielsa will need to look at potential additions to come in and strengthen his squad, as the Whites look to build on an impressive first season back in the Premier League.

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills claimed that the left-back's likely exit means the Leeds manager will probably already have someone in mind to replace him - somebody who is a natural in the role:

“I’m pretty sure if Bielsa’s going to let Alioski go, he’s got somebody in mind already. It doesn’t matter who that’s going to be. At the moment, is Alioski better than Leif Davis? Yes, he is. You still want to play your strongest team until the end of the season.

"If Leif Davis was going to be the next player coming through, he’d be there or thereabouts already. Maybe he’s not quite ready yet for first-team football.

“Alioski is a fantastic utility player but maybe they are looking to bring in more of a specialist and Leeds have got a few utility players.

“If Alioski doesn’t play left-back, where else is he going to play? Leeds are covered.

“It’s balancing the books, it’s getting somebody out so you can bring in somebody of better quality.

“He’ll be missed as a character, I’m sure. Which is a shame for the fans, players. Sadly, that’s football and if you want to improve you’ve got to bring in better quality."

Transfer Tavern take

It is vital that Bielsa doesn't allow Leeds' squad to become weaker next season, and while Alioski may no longer be an indispensable player for the Whites, he still possesses enough quality to start regularly and will need replacing.

Stuart Dallas and youngster Leif Davis can continue to be good options at left-back, but signing an experience natural fit for the role makes perfect sense.

In other news, Noel Whelan has made a huge claim after Leeds' 0-0 draw with Chelsea. Read his comments here.