Leeds United set to join Rangers in race to sign Serie A defender | OneFootball

Highlights

Leeds United are reportedly set to join the race to sign Josh Doig from Hellas Verona this month.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, the Whites are targeting a move for the in-demand full-back.

Leeds will be keen to strengthen their defensive options this January given Daniel Farke’s side is looking a little light on both flanks at the back.

The departure of Luke Ayling has only exacerbated the issue, with the Yorkshire outfit in need of reinforcements if they are to fight for promotion to the Premier League this season.

Sam Byram has been the key figure at left-back and Archie Gray is being tasked with filling at right-back with very few alternative options in the squad available.

Josh Doig competition

Leeds face competition in the race to sign Doig from the Serie A side this January.

French side Marseille have also been cited as a club interested in signing the defender.

Torino and Scottish giants Rangers have also expressed an interest in the 21-year-old.

Doig came through the academy system at Hibernian before eventually moving to the Italian club in the summer of 2022.

During his 18 months with the club, he has made 33 appearances in the Italian top flight, with the team finishing 17th in his first campaign with the team.

Verona are currently 18th in the Serie A standings, as they look to fight against relegation to the second tier.

The Scot has featured 11 times so far this term, but has yet to contribute a goal or an assist.

It remains to be seen what kind of figure will be needed to convince Hellas Verona to cash in on the player this month.

Leeds will be hoping to win the race to his signature in order to beef up their defensive options and provide competition for Byram’s position.

Doig is also capable of competing in midfield, which is the kind of versatility Farke may appreciate.

Leeds are currently fourth in the Championship table, seven points behind second place Ipswich Town.

The Yorkshire outfit will be looking to gain ground on the top two in the second half of the season, as they target automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Next up for the Whites is a trip to face Cardiff City on 13 January.

Doig would be a promising signing

Leeds face stiff competition in the race to sign Doig, with top flight clubs from Italy, France and Scotland all vying for his signature.

A return to Scottish football could be quite appealing, especially ahead of Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign this summer.

Marseille can also provide Doig with European football, which could prove quite enticing.

Given the Championship side will also likely be working with a small budget this January, this looks like the club only has an outside chance of completing the deal.