Leeds United 'ready' to firm up interest in cut-price defender

Leeds United could be ready to firm up their interest in Republic of Ireland Under-21 defender Anselmo Garcia MacNulty according to reports in Holland. The Whites have been monitoring the 21-year-old left-back for some time and could be set for a summer transfer bid.

Spanish-born MacNulty has had a strong season for PEC Zwolle after making the switch from German side Wolfsburg last summer. It was his second season in the Netherlands, having spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at NAC Breda.

Able to play at either left-back or in central defence, MacNulty could be available for less than £1m, and could offer Leeds some much needed cover at the back. The Whites are in contract talks with Liam Cooper this summer, while Sam Byram will stay after triggering a contract extension.

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Leeds are also set to keep young full-back Cody Drameh after a season on loan at Birmingham City, but have seen Joe Rodon return to Tottenham after starring at the back alongside Ethan Ampadu. Money could be at a premium for Leeds this summer, so any cut price deals are likely to appeal, although this would be one for the future.

MacNulty is able to speak Spanish, English, German and Dutch and despite being born and raised in Seville, is eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland through his mother.

Leicester City and Club Brugges have also been linked with a move for the defender, who has two years left to run on his Zwolle contract. However, reports in Holland suggest Leeds could be ready to make their move.