HERE WE GO: Leeds United beat rivals Ipswich Town in the race to sign Italian defender Mattia Zanotti from FC Lugano, agreements reached between both parties to a four years contract….read details below…..

Leeds United now want to sign Willy Gnonto’s pal in £10m deal, Gjanni Alioski could help a transfer

Every Leeds United fan will know the team needs a new goalkeeper, a no.10 and a starting striker. But other priorities are beginning to emerge, with more signings required.

Leeds will certainly need a new left-sided winger for example, with Manor Solomon informing Tottenham he would like a second chance in North London while Thomas Frank is keen on taking a look at Solomon.

But perhaps more than any other position, Leeds now need to sign a left-back and then another full-back as cover. That is because Junior Firpo is joining Real Betis, while Sam Byram is out of contract at Leeds.

Firpo’s confirmation could even arrive before the close of play on Sunday, joining Betis. It leaves Leeds with just Isaac Schmidt and Jayden Bogle, meaning Leeds need a left-back and one that can do both.

But perhaps more than any other position, Leeds now need to sign a left-back and then another full-back as cover. That is because Junior Firpo is joining Real Betis, while Sam Byram is out of contract at Leeds.

Firpo’s confirmation could even arrive before the close of play on Sunday, joining Betis. It leaves Leeds with just Isaac Schmidt and Jayden Bogle, meaning Leeds need a left-back and one that can do both.

Willy Gnonto’s pal now being eyed by Leeds United this summer

It has been a disappointing summer for Willy Gnonto, sent off as Italy’s U21 side were knocked out of the European Championships by finalists Germany in the quarter finals – but it comes after an excellent 24-25.

The same for Mattia Zanotti. Italy’s U21 side were reduced to nine men against Germany, with Zanotti the other player sent off. The right-back, who can also play on the left, starred for Swiss side Lugano last term.

Lugano finished in a solid fourth place, qualifying for the Conference League. Zanotti played a key role on the right, having a hand in 13 goals from 41 games. Swiss outlet 442 say Leeds are interested in Zanotti.

Why Gjanni Alioski could help smooth over Mattia Zanotti move

Leeds are not alone in pursuit of Zanotti, with German side Wolfsburg and Italian outfit Bologna keen on a move for the defender. It is believed Zanotti will cost between £8.5m and £10m in the coming weeks.

But Leeds could find themselves a boost from an unlikely, yet recognisable source. Gjanni Alioski has just rejoined Lugano in an emotional move, returning to the side that he once left to move to Elland Road.

Alioski’s arrival boosts the numbers at Lugano and may see Lugano be more willing to accept the right-back’s exit with Leeds pushing. Whether Leeds do firm up their interest in Zanotti, remains to be seen.