Permanent Ryan Giles transfer on cards as Leeds United want deal

Ryan Giles, a left back for Luton Town, is a target for Leeds United in the January transfer window, talkSPORT has learned.

The Whites are one of many Championship clubs interested, according to a report from the broadcaster on its live transfer blog [18 January, 15:55].

In spite of Giles’ many starts in the Premier League this season, it is said that Luton are amenable to his permanent departure or perhaps a loan with a buyout clause for the summer.

Since Djed Spence is returning to Tottenham and Luke Ayling is going out on loan, it is no news that Daniel Farke and Leeds are searching for a new full-back.

There are currently very few choices available to the Whites at Elland Road, as Junior Firpo and Sam Byram have already had multiple injuries this year.

Permanent?

At Elland Road, a lot of loan slots are currently available, so although money can appear out of nowhere, it might not happen right away.

After his time on the field thus far, Giles probably wants regular football, therefore it would make sense for a loan move to be approved with a potential buyout clause.

He may not be a Premier League player right now, but that might all change at the conclusion of the season. Still, a move to Elland Road would be absolutely enormous.

Notwithstanding Byram and Firpo’s strong play at times during the season, Leeds needs a left-back because they are now too unreliable to start every game.

Giles may not be the sole acquisition, but pursuing the former Wolves player does not guarantee that he will be the only option on the right side of the field.

I hope Elland Road will be very busy for the next two weeks.

In a related article:

In light of rumors regarding Wilfried Gnonto’s future at Leeds United, Don Goodman has criticized the player’s actions in recent months.

During the summer, there were rumors that the winger would be leaving Elland Road, and Everton’s offer of £25 million was turned down by the Whites.

According to reports, West Ham is now predicted to prevail in the competition to sign the winger this month.

While Gnonto had a strong Premier League debut season for the Yorkshire team last year, he has declined in Daniel Farke’s rankings in the Championship.

Out of the 27 games played so far this season, the Italian has only made seven starts in the league and has made 14 appearances from the bench.

Goodman criticises Gnonto

Gnonto’s conduct off the field is a matter of concern for Goodman, who feels that he has not handled the situation effectively about his future.

Everton may have avoided a major setback by holding off on signing the forward last summer, according to the EFL pundit, who was strongly linked to a transfer.

“It’s a funny one really,” said Goodman, via MOT Leeds News.

“It was obviously very unsavoury with the way he handled everything last summer when going on strike.

“I mean, good grief – that’s the worst.

“That will put other football clubs, other managers, off purchasing you.

“I understand he’s young and naive, and he was ill-advised by his agent.

“His agent clearly should not have let that situation unfold.

“Now we find that Willy Gnonto is not a regular starter.

“He comes off the bench a lot, but he has aspirations of playing at the Euros with Italy in the summer.

“You can’t do that if you’re not getting game time, especially when you’re not getting game time in the second tier of English football – it’s as simple as that.

“Again, from his personal perspective, he needs to be playing football. ‘

“But the biggest thing of all is that he hasn’t played well enough to be a regular in the Leeds team.

“So you’ve got to question whether Everton have had a lucky escape by not paying all that money in the summer.

“Or is it that he’s just not found any rhythm because he’s not been playing regularly?”

Leeds United league position

Leeds is currently seven points outside of the automatic promotion spots in the Championship table, sitting in fourth place.

Could be time to cash in on Gnonto

It was a wise move to battle for Gnonto’s retention last summer, since his Premier League performances suggested he was a very talented player.

He is already drawing unwanted attention off the field, though, as he has struggled with form in the Championship.

Leeds might consider moving on and cashing in on the forward if a significant enough offer comes in January.

Although his talent is undeniable, considering the amount of interest in him, he is starting to become more of a problem than a value.