"Very surprised" - Pundit reacts to Leeds United, Plymouth Argyle transfer news | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has given his reaction to reports that Leeds United are considering a move for Plymouth Argyle defender Bali Mumba.

Pundit Carlton Palmer admitted he would be surprised if Leeds United were to make a move for Plymouth Argyle defender Bali Mumba this month.

According to Leeds United News, the Whites sent a scout to watch Mumba in action in Plymouth's 1-0 win at Brentford in the FA Cup on Saturday as the club weigh up whether to make a bid for him in the January transfer window.

Mumba initially joined the Pilgrims on loan from Norwich City in July 2022, and after he helped them to the League One title in the 2022-23 season, the move was made permanent the following summer for a fee of around £1 million, which equalled Argyle's transfer record at the time.

The 23-year-old, who is capable of playing on either side of the defence, has starred for Plymouth over the past two-and-half years, and he has been a virtual ever-present for them in the Championship this season, starting all but two league games so far.

New Pilgrims head coach Miron Muslic will likely be reluctant to lose Mumba this month as he looks to guide his side away from the bottom of the table, but it is unclear how the club would respond if they were to receive an offer from the league leaders.

Carlton Palmer reacts as Leeds United eye Plymouth Argyle's Bali Mumba

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer questioned why Leeds would need to sign Mumba given that they already have a versatile full-back on their books in Isaac Schmidt, and he dismissed suggestions that the Whites could make a move for the Plymouth defender in January.

"Leeds United are reportedly scouting Bali Mumba, Plymouth's versatile full-back who can play on either side," Palmer said.

"It's rumoured that Leeds were in attendance at the weekend watching him play.

"Leeds already have a versatile full-back who can cover both sides in the form of Isaac Schmidt, so I think this was more just a scouting mission rather than them planning to make a bid for him.

"They may be looking to replace Junior Firpo, but as I say, they have a versatile full-back in that area already.

"I think this is just a case of Leeds having a list of players on their hit list, and I don't expect Daniel Farke to be doing a lot of business in this January transfer window.

"It's not an area that they really need to strengthen.

"We know where Plymouth stand, they're at the bottom of the table, and they've already sold one of their better players (Lewis Gibson to Preston).

"At the moment, Morgan Whittaker has not gone yet, and if you want to have any chance of staying in the Championship, you've got to keep your better players.

"I'd be very surprised to see anything happening with Bali Mumba this transfer window."

Bali Mumba could be the perfect Isaac Schmidt upgrade for Leeds United

As Palmer says, Leeds do already have a versatile full-back at the club in Schmidt, who they only signed in the summer from St Gallen for a reported fee of £2.5 million, but he has struggled for game time this season.

Schmidt has made just seven substitute appearances in the league for the Whites this campaign, suggesting that manager Daniel Farke may be unconvinced by him, and with uncertainty over the future of Junior Firpo, it makes sense for the club to run the rule over potential full-back additions.

Mumba has impressed since making the move to Plymouth, and at just 23 years of age, he has plenty of room for further improvement, so he could prove to be a smart long-term investment for Leeds, even if he may not be a regular starter at Elland Road immediately.