Leeds United have outlined their top priority for January, as they finally look to fix their long-standing issue…

What’s the latest?

As per journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Whites are planning to sign a left-back in the coming transfer window, sounding out potential targets across this enforced World Cup break.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “I think left back is definitely a top priority.

“If they can go and find a new left-back and maybe if a centre-half did become available on the market, it’s something that they might look at to try and shore up their defensive woes.”

Big issue

Left-back has proved a long-standing problem for the Yorkshire outfit, with both Jesse Marsch and Marcelo Bielsa before him struggling to find the solution.

Whilst outlining it as a top target is an admission of the issue, actually finding a way to fix it will likely prove difficult.

Victor Orta likely thought he had done it when he tempted Junior Firpo to switch Barcelona for Elland Road for just £12.8m. 

However, that has swiftly devolved into yet another debacle, with the Spaniard having averaged a 6.3 and 6.6 SofaScore rating across this and the previous season respectively.

This comes after pundit Jon Newsome told BBC Radio Leeds: “I don’t think he’s anywhere near good enough. And I think that the fact that he doesn’t get picked week-in, week-out alludes to that. So that’s another area that needs strengthening.”

Pascal Struijk’s involvement in his position further compounds how out of favour the 26-year-old is, as Marsch even prefers a natural centre-back over a natural left-back.

Reports have emerged that link Raphael Guerreiro and Jesus Vazquez with a move to Yorkshire, with Marsch seemingly unsure whether to splash out on experience or trust in the youth.

Regardless, this window has to see them get it right in a position that has let them down on numerous occasions.

It could be the difference between another relegation battle or a comfortable mid-table finish, which their recent form has suggested they could achieve. To see the American finally solve their big issue will be a welcome sight to Leeds fans.