Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Kai Wagner.
What's the latest?
In a recent interview with the Que Golazo YouTube show, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite a number of reports linking Jesse Marsch with a $3m (£2.5m) move for the Philadelphia Union left-back this summer, Victor Orta is yet to launch an official bid for the 25-year-old.
The transfer insider went on to state that, although Leeds are monitoring the German defender, they are only likely to sanction a move for a new addition in the event that a player leaves the club prior to September's transfer deadline.
Regarding the Whites' potential interest in Wager, Romano said: "He is one of the names they are monitoring.
"We know that Leeds are always keeping an eye on American players and talent, so they are monitoring this boy, but at the moment, still nothing is advanced, nothing imminent. Also, Leeds are really happy with the team they have. So, I think they will sign players only if they have outgoings."
Big mistake
Considering just how short Marsch currently is at left-back, Romano's suggestion that Orta may not make a move for a new player in the position - and Wagner in particular - unless one of the club's current first-teamers move onto pastures new very much looks to be something of a mistake by the Spanish director of football.
Indeed, with both Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo ruled out due to injury at present, Marsch has been left with no choice but to field centre-back Pascal Struijk on the left of his back four in the club's opening two Premier League fixtures of the season - a situation that is quite clearly far from ideal.
And, considering just how impressive Wagner has been for Philadelphia so far this season, in addition to the fact the 25-year-old would set Leeds back just £2.5m this summer, the full-back would very much appear to be a worthwhile signing for Orta to get over the line in the coming weeks.
Indeed, over his 25 MLS appearances in 2022, the £2.7m-rated defender has helped his side keep ten clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.8 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 2.0 clearances and winning 3.6 duels - at a success rate of 56% - per game.
The left-back has also impressed going forwards, providing five assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.6 key passes - the ninth-most in the league - 4.1 long balls and 2.9 crosses per fixture.
These returns have seen Wagner average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.42, ranking him as the 10th-best performer in the MLS in the current campaign.
As such, considering just how talented a player the Philadelphia flanker very much looks to be, in addition to the Whites' rather desperate need of a new left-back this summer, it is clear to see that not making a move for the 25-year-old could very easily prove to be a big mistake for Orta to make this summer.