Leeds plan to replace Alioski with ‘next level’ signing tipped by pundit as talks gets underway
Alan Hutton has backed Leeds United to sign a “next level” left-back to replace Ezgjan Alioski this summer.
The former Aston Villa star, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Stade Brest defender Romain Perraud could be another surprise success at Elland Road.
As revealed by Football Insider, Perraud is Leeds’ top left-back target with Alioski likely to depart next month and a source has said talks are underway over a potential deal.
The North Macedonia winger has featured primarily as a makeshift full-back for Marcelo Bielsa this season.
Hutton heralded the 29-year-old’s performances in an unnatural role.
However, he suggested Perraud’s capture could help Leeds “kick on” next season.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “They’ve done it before with these signings. You’ve thought: ‘I’m not sure,’ but they’ve come in and done really well.
“Their recruitment has been very good. I think they’re meticulous in the way they go about it. They look into every attribute, the way the player is, the way he works. If he thinks that he is and they’re going for him, they must because I don’t think he would take a chance.
“He doesn’t seem that type of manager. He wants a player to play a particular type of way and that’s all he wants. I‘m sure they would have been watching him closely and they’ll see him fitting in.
“I don’t want to say it was a problem area because I think Alioski did well. I just think, to kick on to the next level, you have to have players playing in their natural position. That’s my only gripe.”
Alioski played 36 times in Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Perraud was named in France Football’s Ligue 1 team of the year despite Brest finishing 17th.
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