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Oscar Haley

Phillipp Max profiled as Leeds United reportedly plot move to sign German international defender

Leeds United are reportedly set to pursue PSV Eindhoven defender Phillipp Max in the January transfer window as they look to resolve their long standing left-back issues.

Junior Firpo, who has spent the majority of the season injured, is currently the only senior left-back the Whites have in their squad, with centre-back Pascal Struijk having to serve as a makeshift full-back.

While the Dutch defender has by no means been a disaster, the reality is left-back is a position the Whites must strengthen in the upcoming transfer window.

READ MORE: Leeds United star Tyler Adams enjoys well earned break after World Cup exploits

And reports suggest they view Max, who they were linked with in the summer, as a potential solution to this problem.

According to Football Insider, Leeds are keen on landing German international Max next month, with the Whites already plotting their move for the defender.

With a contract running until 2024, PSV may look to cash in on Max, who is one of their higher earners, sooner rather than later.

The Dutch side are currently experiencing some financial issues, which was only further exacerbated by missing out on making the Champions League group stage earlier this year. That could force their hand in January when it comes to deciding to sell Max, who has made three international appearances for Germany. At 29-years-old, Max is currently in his prime and would add plenty of experience to Leeds' young starting XI.

The German defender can offer plenty going forward, more than what Struijk has this season anyway. With Leeds' wingers not necessarily providing masses of width in attack under Jesse Marsch, having full-backs who are capable of going forward becomes more important.

Max is more than capable of offering this, as evidenced by his assist numbers. Prior to his move to PSV, the left-back's quality was on display for all to see in the Bundesliga, with Max registering 13 assists in 33 games for Augsburg back in 2018, which earned him praise from former Germany coach Joachim Low.

"We've watched Max a few times and he played very well in recent seasons," said Low after giving Max his first international call-up.

Additionally, it should be noted that the signing of an experienced left-back could further improve the Whites defence by virtue of letting Struijk move back to centre-back. Signing Max could prove to be an astute move that would like cost no more than £10m.

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