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James Hunter

Leeds United star emerges as a summer transfer target for French giants Marseille

Leeds United's Junior Firpo has emerged as a target for Marseille, according to a report in France. The 26-year-old defender has apparently caught the eye of the side that finished third in Ligue 1 last season as they look to bring in a full-back with Champions League experience - something which Firpo has from his time with Catalan giants Barcelona.

A report in French outlet La Gazette du Fennnec claims that Marseille have identified Firpo as the man to fill their vacancy, although they are waiting for the go-ahead from new coach Marcelino Garcia before making a move. Firpo has been linked with a move away from Elland Road before, with several Spanish sides apparently keeping track of him last season.

At that stage his future at Leeds was said to rest on whether the Whites retained their Premier League status - and the fact that they were relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season has increased the chances of prize assets such as Firpo moving on. Firpo was born in the Dominican Republic but moved to Spain as a boy and started his career with Real Betis, before moving on to Barcelona and then to Leeds.

READ MORE: Leeds United's five most expensive departures of all-time - what happened next?

He is also a former Spain U21 international. Leeds are keen to keep their best players in situ for a promotion challenge next season in a bid to make an immediate return to the Premier League, although it may be that some players move on.

The Whites are still waiting for final ratification of their takeover by the San Francisco 49ers Enterprises, while the search for a new head coach to replace Sam Allardyce - who departed at the end of the season after failing in his short-term mission to keep the club in the top flight - is also ongoing.

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