Leeds United are in advanced discussions to acquire Leicester City defender James Justin, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs has disclosed.
The Elland Road club are reportedly striving to secure the 27-year-old as a last-minute addition to Daniel Farke’s defensive lineup, with Jayden Bogle in a race against time to be ready for their season opener against Everton on Monday.
Bogle sat out the friendly draws against Villarreal and AC Milan due to a hip flexor problem, and although he has resumed training, Leeds have been searching for a new player to bolster their right-back options.
Justin experienced relegation from the Premier League with Leicester last season and has been linked with a departure from the King Power Stadium since, with only one year remaining on his contract with the Foxes.
The 27-year-old defender led Leicester as captain in their 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, as Marti Cifuentes’ team kicked off their Championship campaign by clinching a late three points thanks to Wout Faes’ stoppage-time winner.
Leeds Working to Sign James Justin:
According to Jacobs, Leeds are in advanced negotiations with Leicester to secure Justin before the transfer deadline on September 1:
Justin, who transferred to Leicester from Luton in the summer of 2019, featured in 36 Premier League matches last season, netting two goals and contributing two assists.
He logged more minutes on the pitch (2,921) than any other Foxes player but could not prevent the club’s demotion, with Leicester relegated with five games remaining.
Leeds are expecting a hectic conclusion to their summer transfer activity, having also finalized an agreement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s arrival on a free transfer.
The 28-year-old forward is poised to join after nine seasons at Everton, where he scored 71 goals in 274 appearances.
Leeds have also recruited goalkeeper Lucas Perri, defenders Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Jaka Bijol, midfielders Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, and striker Lukas Nmecha this summer.