Leeds United defender Junior Firpo has claimed Leif Davis will be part of the Whites' first team squad next season in what looks a blow for Ipswich Town's pursuit of the player.

Earlier this month, EADT reported that League One side are keen on Davis as they look to strengthen Kieran McKenna's squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign while the Yorkshire Evening Post have since suggested they could be willing to pay around £1 million to sign him this summer.

The 22-year-old spent last term on loan at Bournemouth but is back at Leeds and part of Jesse Marsch's senior squad for pre-season.

With Stuart Dallas sidelined with a long-term injury, Davis will be hoping to convince the American coach to keep him around the first team over the coming weeks and put in an impressive display in their friendly against Blackpool on Thursday.

Firpo, who is ahead of him in the pecking order, has predicted he will do just that.

"I don’t feel pressure, I don’t have pressure," the Dominican defender told Leeds Live when asked about the competition for places at left-back.

"Of course, there is another left-back, it’s Leif. He’s playing, he will be in the team, I think and he will make me work hard. Last season I didn’t have any left-backs, now this season I have Leif to compete with for the position. It’s okay, always the competition is always good.”

The Verdict

Firpo's prediction provides some insight from inside the Leeds camp and it's not good news for Ipswich's pursuit of Davis.

It will be Marsch, and not the 25-year-old, that ultimately makes the decision concerning the future of the Tractor Boys target but he is well placed to make an accurate assessment of the situation nonetheless.

The Whites' lack of squad depth very nearly cost them their place in the Premier League last season and the American coach will be keen to avoid those sort of problems this term.

As such, unless a replacement for Davis is brought in or he is deemed not good enough for the level, you feel he has a great chance of remaining at Elland Road.

That's a blow for Ipswich, who may have to look elsewhere if they feel more support is needed for Greg Leigh and co.