Leeds want Aina to replace Barcelona reject, Firpo

Ahead of the January transfer window, English Premier League club, Leeds United, have once again reignited their interest in Nigeria international, Ola Aina, as the club look to find a replacement for ineffective former Barcelona player Junior Firpo and maintain their status in the topflight league.

Aina has been strongly linked with a move away from Torino with the Premier League club showing so much interest in the defender.

The 26-year-old joined Torino in 2018 from Chelsea, initially on a loan deal, before the Italians made the deal permanent the following season, after an impressive campaign.

The versatile defender’s current contract expires in June of next year, but Torino have intensified their discussions with Aina to commit his future to the Italian side until 2025.

The Peacocks, as they are fondly called, issues at left-back have been well-documented and have identified the Nigerian as a possible solution.

Firpo was brought to the club at the start of last season but the ex-Barcelona man has failed to live up to the initial hype, suffering a number of injuries and now finds himself playing second fiddle to Pascal Struijk under Jesse Marsch.

According to Leeds United News Leeds are ready to sell Firpo should a deal for Aina goes through.

“Leeds United are being strongly linked with a move for Torino and Nigeria left-back Ola Aina ahead of the January transfer window – and if Leeds do make their move for the defender, then surely it is time to go, for Junior Firpo,” the website wrote.

Aina has become an integral part of manager Ivan Jurić’s side, having featured in 10 Serie A games so far this season before the World Cup break.