Leeds United have reportedly identified a Ligue 1 defender as a potential transfer target for the summer transfer window.
The Yorkshire giants are currently bidding to earn a return to the Premier League at the second time of asking, even with their promotion bid losing momentum in recent weeks.
A run of just one win in six matches, as well as three consecutive draws, have Daniel Farke's side sitting in third place in the Championship table, albeit just one point adrift of the automatic promotion spots.
With six matches remaining, full focus is on trying to edge out the likes of Burnley and Sheffield United, but plans for a potential top-flight campaign also need to be considered.
According to Foot Mercato, Leeds are monitoring the situation of a player who has been competing at the top tier of French football during 2024-25.
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Leeds 'closely interested' in Sagnan
The report alleges that the Lilywhites are considering whether to move for Montpellier HSC centre-back Modibo Sagnan at the end of the season.
Sagnan, a Mali international, has made a total of 23 starts and two substitute outings in Ligue 1, scoring twice and contributing to a win over Monaco earlier in the campaign.
That said, Montpellier sit 12 points adrift of safety with six matches remaining and have conceded 64 goals from their 28 league encounters.
As such, the expectation is that the 25-year-old will attract a wide range of suitors prior to and during the next transfer window, despite his contract running until 2028.
Despite his relatively young age, Sagnan is well-travelled around Europe, already representing the likes of Real Sociedad, Lens, FC Utrecht and Tondela.
He has 117 top-flight appearances under his belt across four different nations, something that may prove beneficial to Leeds in the future.
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Do Leeds need defenders?
If it was not for the ludicrous defensive record of Burnley, Leeds would possess the best stats in England's second tier with 28 goals conceded in 40 games.
Joe Rodon has been an ever-present in the centre of the backline, his most regular partner being Pascal Struijk who has started nine games fewer.
Ethan Ampadu and Max Wober, who has recently returned from injury, are alternatives when fit, but Leeds would likely require greater quality in defence should they earn promotion.
While it is questionable whether Sagnan would deliver on that need, he is seemingly viewed as value for money when other areas of the squad would require improving.
Darren Plant
