According to Adam Pope, Connor Roberts would “really like” to return to Leeds United this summer if he falls out of favour at Burnley.
The BBC Leeds journalist stated on Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet on July 15 that the Welsh international would be very interested in returning to Elland Road having spending the second part of last season on loan under Daniel Farke.
However, the Whites are now “definitely” interested in Sheffield United’s Jayden Bogle and plan to make a bid for him [Mike McGrath, 13 July].
Pope said: “Incoming, I was looking at Connor Roberts, who, as I understand it, would really like to come to Leeds if he doesn’t have a future at Burnley, and now that they’re in the same division, I know which club I’d prefer.”
“I also like Connor Roberts; I believe he has a great Leeds mindset, is aggressive, and has bought into it. A minor injury prevented him from striving for additional minutes. Archie [Gray] is undeniably clever.
“But Jayden Bogle’s being looked at now, they’re definitely interested in him at Sheffield United who can play down that side and is another young guy, played loads of Championship games.”
Leeds United are interested in Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United.
Farke may need to sign two right-backs this summer unless he adds at least one on the left, as Sam Byram and Junior Firpo currently cover both sides of the back line.
The pair alternated on the left last season, but both have substantial injury histories, and Firpo is rumored to be sold this summer [Daily Mail, July 1].
Gray was sold to Tottenham, Roberts is now back at Turf Moor, while Jamie Shackleton moved to Sheffield United after his contract expired.
So there would be some logic in pressing to strike a deal for Bogle while also working to bring Roberts back in some form.
However, whether the transfer budget can accommodate that with additional work to be done elsewhere remains to be seen.
A quarter of Gray’s £40 million fee was spent on bringing Joe Rodon in the opposite direction, and more money is expected for Glen Kamara soon [L’Equipe, 13 July], although the 49ers are expected to recruit a straight replacement in midfield [Leeds All Over, 13 July].
Roberts made 15 appearances last season, mostly as a substitute, but he had slid down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany, so much will rely on what new manager Scott Parker has in store for him.
