Report: Leeds to sell first-team regular as Monk overhaul continues

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Published on:

17 Jul 2016, 10:59 am

By Alex Stevens

Leeds are ready to sell Sol Bamba as Garry Monk steps up his overhaul of the club, according to a report.

The Sun on Sunday newspaper (page 62) claim The Championship outfit will listen to offers for Bamba even though he is club captain and a mainstay of the defence.

It is said that Leeds have set a £500,000 valuation on the 31-year-old, who has a year remaining on his deal.

But the Sun say the Yorkshire giants may have to release Bamba from his contract and let him leave on a free transfer due to his "king-size wages".

The possibility that Bamba could leave is intriguing given that Leeds are keen to bring in cover at the back after allowing Italian defender Giuseppe Bellusci to leave on loan to Serie A side Empoli.

Bamba, who joined Leeds in January 2015 on loan before completing a permanent transfer last summer, made 33 appearances for the club last season.

The departure of the experienced Ivory Coast international would leave Liam Cooper as the club's only senior centre-back.

However, Monk has been strongly linked with signing a new defender following Bellusci's exit.

The Yorkshire based side reportedly made a move for ex-Chelsea defender Valerio Di Cesare, who currently plays for Serie B side Bari.

Leeds have shied away from signing recently released Watford man Jan Ekstrand after learning of his knee problems.

In other Leeds transfer news, this Championship manager has claimed the signing of Kemar Roofe is a risk.

Leeds United

Sol Bamba