Having long relied upon a small-ish squad of players to keep going to the well and delivering, Leeds United are looking for some depth. Although still in a fight for a European place, it is likely the Whites will miss out due to squad depth. And although coach Marcelo Bielsa is known to have a preference for a smaller squad, it’s clear that he needs more bodies if the Yorkshire club are to avoid a repeat of this season next year. Despite impressive, inconsistency has blighted what could have been a special campaign. Will the reported arrival of Romain Perraud, then, change that?

The French full-back has been linked with a move to Leeds as the replacement for the likely outgoing Alioski. The Macedonian is likely to move on in the summer when his deal runs out, with a move to Turkey the most likely destination. Leeds, then, will be looking to replace a key offensive talent who has done more than his fair share of defensive coverage, as well.

Perraud, though, has long been linked with a move to England. Previously, when he played for Paris FC, he was strongly linked with a move to Glasgow Celtic. It never took place, instead of joining Brest in the top-flight. Having impressed since his arrival in the French top league, he now looks set for a move up the food chain.

Who is Romain Perraud?

Perraud has been making waves for some time, coming through the fame OGC Nice academy. Playing at a high tempo and a consistent standard with attacking intent, he’s become a player who is rated for his crossing ability and his set play. Like many young full-backs, defensive issues are obvious but it would be fair to say that Perraud will be joining a team that looks for full-backs to commit to attacking as much as defence.

That is why Perraud is seen by many as the ideal choice for a Leeds team that is looking to take a very important next step in its development. With more squad depth needed and arguable upgrades on some players who are clearly overperforming but will soon regress, moving for young talent like Perraud could be seen as a wise move.

Perraud is a player who has made a big impression on a lot of French scouts, having impressed others. Dead ball delivery is one thing, but his ability to move up and down the flank and stay involved in the game is a big asset for a full-back. Seen as a player with a lot of stamina and energy, he would be seen as someone who could really add an impetus to a Leeds left-hand side that needs fresh blood.

Even as an option off the bench or to play for the first hour, Perraud would make a remarkable change in tone to the Leeds bench. It would be a sign, too, that Leeds are looking further afield for signings than they have beforehand. Ligue 1 has been good to them so far; will it strike again this summer?